Bogen VMIX Guide

Power Vector Mixer
Model VMIX
Installation and Use Manual
© 2005 Bogen Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
54-2134-01C 1204

Notice
Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this
guide was complete and accurate at the time of printing.
However, information is subject to change.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: To Reduce The Risk of Fire Or Electric Shock, Do
Not Expose This Apparatus To Rain Or Moisture.
Always follow these basic safety precautions when installing and
using the unit:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water. The apparatus shall
not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. DO NOT block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong.The wide blade, or the
third prong, are provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
IMPORTANT
CAUTION: TO PREVENT THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.

Contents
Page(s)
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS..................................................................................................2-3
VMIX Front Panel ........................................................................................................................................2
VMIX Rear Panel..........................................................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................4
Package Contents ........................................................................................................................................4
Mounting ........................................................................................................................................................4
Rack Mounting ......................................................................................................................................4
Shelf/Table Mounting ............................................................................................................................4
Module Installation ......................................................................................................................................4
MODULES ............................................................................................................................5
Output Modules ..........................................................................................................................................5
Functionality ............................................................................................................................................5
Input Modules ..............................................................................................................................................5
Functionality ............................................................................................................................................5
Priorities ..................................................................................................................................................5
CONNECTIONS ..............................................................................................................6-7
Unbalanced Output ....................................................................................................................................6
Balanced Output ..........................................................................................................................................6
Remote Volume Control ............................................................................................................................6
Bridging ..........................................................................................................................................................6
Mute Control ................................................................................................................................................7
System Expansion of Power Vector Mixers ..........................................................................................7
OPERATION ....................................................................................................................8-9
Front Panel Controls & Indicators ..........................................................................................................8
Input Volume Controls and Signal / Clip Indicator ..............................................................................8
Bass and Treble Controls........................................................................................................................8
Master Volume Control ..........................................................................................................................8
Average/Peak Switch & LED Output Meter ......................................................................................8
Power Switch / Power Indicator ............................................................................................................8
Rear Panel Controls....................................................................................................................................9
Balanced Out Switch..............................................................................................................................9
Other Controls ............................................................................................................................................9
Tone Control Bypass Switch ..................................................................................................................9
Low-Cut Switch ......................................................................................................................................9
BLOCK DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................10
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................11
ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................12
LIMITED WARRANTY......................................................................................................13
1

Panel Descriptions
VMIX Front Panel
1. Input Volume Controls
Each of the 8 inputs is controlled by an independent volume control.
2. Signal / Clip Indicators
A single two-color LED located above each channel’s volume control indicates the audio activity of that
channel’s input. Green indicates signal present at the input; red indicates clipping of the input signal.
3.Treble Control
Controls the amount of cut or boost of treble frequencies above 10 kHz.
4. LED Output Meter
An 11-segment LED output level meter monitors the output level of the mixer.
5. Master Volume Control
Controls overall level of mixed input signals.
6. Power Indicator
An LED indicates AC power status.
7. Bass Control
Controls the amount of cut or boost of bass frequencies below 100 Hz.
8.Average/Peak Switch
This switch determines whether the LED Output Meter registers the average or peak level of the mixer’s output.
9. Power Switch
Controls AC power to the mixer.
2

Panel Descriptions
VMIX Rear Panel
1.AC Receptacle
A grounded, unswitched AC convenience receptacle with a 500W maximum capacity is provided for external
equipment.
2. Unbalanced Output Jack
Provides an unbalanced output for connection to an auxiliary or high-impedance input.
3. Bridging Jack
An RCA connector that allows the bridging of Power Vector products together for system expansion.
4. Remote Volume Control Terminals
Three terminals are provided for connection to a Bogen Model RVCP, Remote Volume Control Panel, to
control the mixer’s motorized Master Volume Control.
5. Low-Cut Switch
A slide switch (located in module bay 6) that allows roll off of frequencies below 125 Hz.
6.Tone Control Bypass Switch
A slide switch (located in module bay 6) that allows the effects of the bass and treble controls to be bypassed.
7.AC Line Cord and Circuit Breaker
A grounded, 3-wire AC line cord provides power to the mixer and is protected by a resettable circuit breaker.
8. Balanced Out Level Switch
Three-position slide switch that selects the signal level of the balanced output.
9. Balanced Out Terminals
Provides a balanced transformer-isolated output with selectable output levels.
10. Mute Control Terminals
Provides access to mute buses for external control and system expansion.
11. Module Bays
The mixer has eight module bays, all of which can accommodate input modules, with two bays (bays 7
and 8) that can accommodate either input or output modules.
3

Installation
Package Contents
• Power Vector Mixer • Module Covers (8)
• Instruction Manual • 12 mm Module Cover Screws (16)
Mounting
Rack Mounting
When stacking equipment in a rack, the mixer should either be on the bottom of the stack or above
equipment that does not produce heat. A rack mount bracket kit (model RPK87) is available for the Power
Vector mixer.
Shelf/Table Mounting
When using a shelf or table mount, the mixer should stand alone with no equipment on top of it or below it.
If the mixer must be stacked with other equipment, care must be taken to ensure that all the minimum clear-
ance distances are met and that the equipment below the mixer produces little significant heat. Rubber feet are
installed on the mixer to allow it to be placed on a tabletop.
Module Installation
Eight module bays are available to accept Bogen’s new advanced input modules. Module bays 7 & 8 can also
accommodate Bogen’s new advanced output modules, thereby allowing users to customize the mixer to suit
the needs of the installation. (The bays will not accept Bogen’s older style plug-in modules.)
Before installing a module, read the instructions included with the module and make the desired jumper setting
changes.
The modules are installed by simply sliding them along the card guides inside the module bays until the
faceplate firmly sits against the chassis, then use the two screws supplied with the module to secure it to the
chassis.
• Modules should slide in easily.
• Output modules will not fit in bays 1-6.
• Output modules can only be installed in bays 7 & 8.
• Output modules have 8 contacts on each side.
• Input modules have 6 contacts on each side.
• Older D-Series style Bogen input modules
(41/2" in length) are not usable.
- CAUTION -
DO NOT FORCE MODULES
4

Modules
Output Modules
Functionality
The PowerVector mixer accepts Bogen signal-processing output modules, which offer a cost effective and con-
venient way to add specific signal-processing capability into a system.When an output module is installed, the
mix bus signal is automatically rerouted through the output module, whose capabilities further process the sig-
nal before it is presented to the power mixer section.
Up to 2 output modules can be installed in a Power Vector mixer using module bays 7 & 8 (these bays accept
either output or input modules). When two output modules are installed, their signal-processing effects are
cascaded.The mix bus signal will first pass through the output module in module bay 7 and then through the
output module in bay 8. In some instances, the order in which the signal processing is applied is important and
can be determined by the module installation order.
Output modules automatically insert themselves into the signal path between the mix bus and the mixer out-
put, so no further connections are required beyond simply inserting the modules. Most Bogen output
modules include an unbalanced, Hi-Z input. This input feeds directly to the mixer’s mix bus through the front
level control for the particular module bay and is not processed by the output module directly. The input is
included so that the input function of the module bay is not lost when an output module is installed.
Input Modules
Functionality
The Power Vector mixer accepts Bogen’s new advanced input modules, which provide a wide range of input
types allowing the mixer inputs to be custom configured in both type and number for a particular application.
Input modules can be installed into any of the 8 module bays and do not have to be installed in any particular
bay order.The front panel volume control for that number bay will control the mix level of that input module.
In addition to a host of module specific features, each input module has a priority jumper section for creating
a priority hierarchy between different modules installed in the mixer.
Priorities
The Power Vector mixer allows inputs to be prioritized at four different levels.The Bogen input modules con-
tain circuitry that can cause their outputs to be muted in response to higher priority control
signals from other input modules. Each input module also contains circuitry that sends a mute control signal
out to other modules when it becomes active (all input modules become “active” when they receive an audio
input). Active modules may be prevented from sending their audio onto the mix bus by a higher priority
module that is also active.
Input priorities are set through a simple jumper field on the module. It is also possible not to assign a priority
level to an input module. By doing so, that module will never be muted by another input module in the
mixer.
5

Connections
Unbalanced Output
The VMIX includes an unbalanced output for connection to an auxiliary
or high-impedance input using an RCA connector. Output level is 0 dBµ
when meter reads “0”. Maximum output is +20 dBµ.
Balanced Output
Three terminals are provided for the transformer balanced output of the
Power Vector mixer.
Note:The output signal level is selectable for +4 dBµ, -10 dBµ, or -50 dBµ
(see Page 9).
Remote Volume Control
Three terminals are provided for remote control of the Master Volume
control on the front panel.This control is motorized, allowing full con-
trol over the setting of the master volume. Shorting the UP terminal
with the C terminal will rotate the MasterVolume control in a clockwise
direction, increasing the volume level. Shorting the DN terminal to the
C terminal will cause the Master Volume control to rotate in a counter-
clockwise direction and decrease the level of the MasterVolume control.
The impedance of the shorting connections must be less than 100 ohms
in order to operate the control. The Bogen Remote Volume Control
Panel (Model RVCP) provides a simple and elegant means of remote
control. Alternatively, a SPDT spring-loaded, center off switch or two
SPST push-button switches can provide the necessary contacts for
remote control.
Bridging
This connector makes the Power Vector’s mix bus available externally
and allows the connecting of PowerVector products for system expansion
and simple room combining.
This function is bi-directional. Any signal received will be amplified and
any signal sent can be used by another Power Vector product.The signal
levels at the bridging jack will drop by one-half with two Power Vectors
tied together and by two-thirds with three units tied together. Because
of the attenuation of the bridging signal, due to the signal loading of
other Power Vectors, it is not recommended that more than three units
be connected together. See Mute Control section and the illustration on
next page for additional information.
6

Connections
Mute Control
Each priority bus (High, Medium, and Low) can be externally activated.
This allows priority buses of two or more PowerVector products to be
linked together for system expansion purposes. A particular mute priority
can be externally forced by shorting that priority's bus terminal to the
C terminal of the Mute Control (the C terminal is the system ground).
Forcing the H priority bus this way will mute all modules except for
modules set for priority level 1(highest priority). Forcing the M priority
bus will mute modules set for priority levels 3 or 4, but not levels 1or
2, and forcing the L priority bus will only mute modules set at
priority level 4.
System Expansion of Power Vector Products
By interconnecting the Bridging Connector and Mute Control lines, it is possible to connect two or more
Power Vector units into a larger integrated system.Wire the bridging jack and mute control lines as shown in
the diagrams for bridging either 2 or 3 units together.The overall system gain of Power Vector products dimin-
ishes when they are bridged because each unit’s mix bus loads down the other product’s bus. When bridging
two Power Vector products, the system gain drops by about 6 dB.When bridging 3 Power Vector units together,
the system gain drops by approximately 12 dB. It is important to make sure that the input module or that the
input signal source itself has enough level to make up for the bridging loss otherwise the products may not be
able to reach their full rated output.
7
Power Vector Unit #1
Power Vector Unit #2
Power Vector Unit #3
Note: Bridging can be any combination of
Power Vector Mixers and/or Amplifiers.
Bridging more than 3 Power Vector units
together is not recommended because
of bridging losses.

Operation
Front Panel Controls & Indicators
Input Volume Controls and Signal / Clip Indicator
Each input module may be individually controlled by its corresponding
volume control knob.A single LED located above each channel’s volume
control indicates the audio activity of that channel’s input. Green indi-
cates signal present at the input. Red indicates that the input signal com-
ing from the input module into the mixer is clipping and distorted.This
is caused by either an input signal that is too high or an input module
volume control (gain) that is set too high.
Bass and Treble Controls
The treble control has a cut/boost range of +/- 10 dB at frequencies
above 10 kHz and provides a roll off after 20 kHz to reduce gain above
the audio range.The bass control has a cut/boost range of +/- 10 dB at
frequencies below 100 Hz.
Master Volume Control
The overall volume level of the mixer is set by a Master Volume control.
The Master Volume control is motorized and can be controlled by man-
ually adjusting the knob or by a remotely-mounted control
station. Connections and requirements for the remote control station
are described in the Connections section, under Remote Volume Control.
Average/Peak Switch & LED Output Meter
The LED Output Meter is an 11-segment meter that registers either the
average or the peak level of the mixer’s output signal.The meter can be
set to read either the average output signal (button in) or the peak
ouput signal levels (button out) by using the Avg/Peak button at the
bottom of the meter.
Power Switch / Power Indicator
The AC power to the amplifier is controlled by the Power rocker switch.
A red LED indicator lights to confirm the power on status of the mixer.
8

Operation
Rear Panel Controls
Balanced Out Switch
A three-position slide switch selects the signal level of the balanced out-
put. Output levels of +4 dBµ, -10 dBµ, and -50 dBµ are available.The indi-
cated output level corresponds to “0” on the level meter.
Other Controls (Located In Module Bay 6)
Tone Control Bypass Switch
A slide switch that can bypass the effects of the Bass and Treble controls
is located on the back plane of module bay 6. It is sometimes desirable
to bypass the tone controls when other forms of system equalization are
used. A screwdriver can be used to set the switch.The switch must be
set before a module is installed in this bay.
Low-Cut Switch
The Power Vector mixer provides a low-cut filter that rolls off frequen-
cies below 125 Hz.The slide switch for this function is located on the
back plane of module bay 6. A screwdriver can be used to set the switch.
The switch must be set before a module is installed in this bay.
9

Block Diagram
10

Specifications
11
Output Level
Balanced: Selectable +4, -10, -50 dBµ (typical when meter reads “0”)
Unbalanced: 0 dBµ (typical when meter reads “0”)
Max. Output Level
Balanced: +18 dBµ
Unbalanced: +20 dBµ
Frequency Response: +/- 1dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Distortion: 0.01(@ +18 dBµ THD+N, 20 Hz to 20 kHz BW Limited)
Signal-to-Noise
Fundamental: -99 dB*
w/ AUX MAX1R Module: -94 dB*
w/ MIC2X Module: -64 dB*
w/ TEL1S Module: -92 dB*
Tone Controls
Bass Frequency: 100 Hz (+/- 10 dB minimum)
Treble Frequency: 10 kHz (+/- 10 dB minimum)
Low Cut Frequency: 125 Hz @ -6 dB/octave
Signal / Clip Indicator
Signal Detect Threshold: 10 mV @ output of module
Signal Indicator Hold Time: 50 mS (green indicator)
Clip Detect Threshold: 6V @ output of module
Clip Detect Hold Time: 50 mS (red indicator)
Output Impedance
Balanced: 50 ohms @ +4 dBµ, 600 ohms @ -10 dBµ, 5 ohms @ -50 dBµ
Unbalanced: 100 ohms
Power Consumption: 21watts
AC Power Receptacle: 500 watts maximum power, unswitched
Dimensions: 17-1/4" W x 3-7/8" H x 14-3/4" D
Product Weight: 15 lb.
Safety Approvals: Listed to UL Standard 60065 for U.S. and Canada
* Referenced to max output level, 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth limited.
All specifications subject to change without notice.

12
Accessories
RPK87 - Rack Mounting Kit
• Adapts Power Vector Mixer for 19" rack mounting
• Heavy gauge steel construction
• Fits Power Vector Mixer into 2 rack spaces (31/2")
RVCP - Remote Volume Control Panel
• Push-button operation of motorized master volume control
• Fits in standard single gang electrical box
• Decora style cover plate
PVSC - Power Vector Security Cover
• Prevents tampering with system settings
• Power and meter switches accessible
• Simple installation
PVMC - Power Vector Module Cover
• Prevents tampering with module controls
• Adaptable for different module types
• Covers unused module slots
A variety of accessories are available.

Limited Warranty; Exclusion of Certain Damages
13
The Bogen VMIX is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for three (3) years from the date of sale to the
original purchaser. Any part of the product covered by this warranty that, with normal installation and use, becomes defective (as
confirmed by Bogen upon inspection) during the applicable warranty period, will be repaired or replaced by Bogen, at Bogen’s option,
provided the product is shipped insured and prepaid to: Bogen Factory Service Department, 50 Spring Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446,
USA. Repaired or replacement product will be returned to you freight prepaid. This warranty does not extend to any of our products
that have been subjected to abuse, misuse, improper storage, neglect, accident, improper installation or have been modified or
repaired or altered in any manner whatsoever, or where the serial number or date code has been removed or defaced.
THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS BOGEN’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND THE PURCHASER’S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. BOGEN MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DIS-
CLAIMED AND EXCLUDED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWABLE BY LAW. Bogen's liability arising out of the manufacture,
sale or supplying of products or their use or disposition, whether based upon warranty, contract, tort or otherwise, shall be limited to
the price of the product. IN NO EVENT SHALL BOGEN BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR LOSS OF USE DAMAGES)
ARISING OUT OF THE MANUFACTURE, SALE OR SUPPLYING OF PRODUCTS, EVEN IF BOGEN HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR LOSSES. Some States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.
Products that are out of warranty will also be repaired by the Bogen Factory Service Department – same address as above or call
201-934-8500. The parts and labor involved in these repairs are warranted for 90 days when repaired by the Bogen Factory Service
Department. All shipping charges in addition to parts and labor charges will be at the owner's expense. All returns require a Return
Authorization number. For most efficient warranty or repair service, please include a description of the failure.
12/2008

50 Spring Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446, U.S.A.
Tel. [phone] • Fax: [phone]
www.bogen.com