Ecler HAK300 User manual

USER MANUAL
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
NOTICE D’EMPLOI
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
HAK30
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ECLER
AUDIO CREATIVE POWER

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USER MANUAL
1. IMPORTANT STANDARD REMARK 04
2.INTRODUCTION 04
3. INSTALLATION 05
3.1. Placement and mounting 05
3.2. Input signal sources 05
3.2.1. Turntables 05
3.2.2. Microphones 06
3.2.3. CD-Players, Mini Disc, Tape... 06
3.2.4. Session and Team mixing 06
4. OPERATION AND USAGE 06
4.1. Start up 06
4.2. Prelistening (Program-Monitoring) 07
4.3. Channel gain 07
4.4. Channel equalization 07
4.5. Replaceable components (faders, crossfader and Input Selector) 07
4.6. Crossfader Reverse Switch 08
4.7. Crossfader curve adjust 08
4.8. Cutter / Transformer 08
4.9. Outputs 09
5. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS 09
5.1. Ground loops 09
5.2. Audio connections 09
5.3. Background noise 09
5.4. Cleaning 10
6. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 35
7.DIAGRAMS 36
7.1. Figures 36
7.2. Function list 38
7.3. Functional diagram 40
7.4. Electrical schematic 41
All numbers subject to variation due to production tolerances. ECLER SA reserves the right to make changes or
improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specifications.

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1. IMPORTANT STANDARD REMARK
The HAK300 is a dedicated high-profile Hip-Hop and Scratch-Mixer, whose features have
been specially designed for this purpose, although it surely can be used with other styles of music
such as House, Trance, Jungle, Drum 'n' Bass or Techno. The new HAK Mixing Instruments have
been wisely developed using the highest quality components, and efficiently manufactured under
strict quality controls; ECLER well known Research and Development process Standard guarantees
that the products leaving our production line share first class quality.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you read this manual before connecting the mixer in order to
obtain its maximum performance.
We recommend our authorised Technical Services whenever any maintenance task
should be needed so that optimum operation shall be achieved.
2. INTRODUCTION
The HAK300 is a new mixer concept, designed by and for PROFESSIONAL DJs, with
ECLER's state of the art performance and roughness. Due to the collaboration with international DJs
of all categories and music styles, our mixers are highly functional and practically oriented. The
HAK300 distinguishes moreover by its high reliability, its long life and superb audio quality.
The HAK300 is basically a three-channel mixer with two channel faders (Line or Phono
fader). The housings compact size has followed the example of the SMAC series, being adjusted to
the DJ's number 1 tool: the Technics SL-1200/1210. The HAK300 features an High Quality VCA-
based fader design. VCA controlled faders offer, in contrast to conventional faders, a much higher
lifetime. With the HAK300, ECLER starts a new chapter in the European mixing tradition. Thanks to
the robust casing design, the HAK300 is prepared to withstand the hardest Scratch-mixing sessions.
While most scratch-mixers are equipped with low-quality bipolar power supplies, the
oversized power supply of the HAK300 offers plenty of headroom at the inputs and outputs.
Therefore a high dynamic range and output volume is achieved, without affecting audio quality.
Let's compare: Normally, standard bipolar power supply outputs are 7.5 or 9 Volt (rarely 12
Volt). An input voltage of 9 Volt must be internally spitted into +/- 4.5 Volt. In contrast, The HAKs
internal power supply outputs +/- 18 Volt, which means a total 36 Volt! This difference implies a
much higher audio quality with a higher output level and better dynamics.
The lay-out of the control elements and the type of connectors have been chosen and
optimized for the use in Scratching and Hip Hop. Thanks to the good overview on the control
elements and a clear and proper typeface, every DJ will quickly feel familiar with the HAK300.
Faders and Equalizers are also suited to the music style, offering plenty of space to work on. With
the help of the Mix input feature (10), it's possible to connect several HAK300 or other mixers in
Session, being useful for Battle-Mixing and Beat-Juggling.
The HAK300 features 2+1 mixable channels (channel one, channel two, mic channel), with
5 stereophonic inputs and one microphone input (2 Phono, 2 Line, 1 Mix, 1 Microphone). Two main
channels feature a two band equalizer, gain control, and PFL function in order to display its level
directly on the VU-meter and hear it through the headphones.

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3. INSTALLATION
3.1. Placement and mounting
The first thing to take into consideration when placing your HAK is your comfort and an
easy access to all the connections.
The HAK300 is basically conceived as a tabletop mixer and its usual placement will be
between two vinyls or CD players. The optional metallic side profiles kit allows you to firmly fix your
HAK to the surface over which it is placed or over its own profiles (Fig.1). These profiles also allow to
tilt the mixer's position for an easier operation.
Because of the high gain of the PHONO and MICROPHONE inputs, always try to place
the mixer as far away as possible from noise sources (dimmers, engines, etc.) and mains wires. For
the very same reason, and under any circumstance, you should never remove the unit's metallic
cover. The power consumption of the HAK is very low, so they don't need any cooling, but you
should avoid extreme temperatures and the atmosphere should be as dry and dustfree as possible.
The HAK300 operates under 110, 120, 220, 230 or 240V 50/60Hz, depending on the
country, (see characteristics in the back of the unit). Make sure that the mains-wire is far away from
the signal-cables in order to avoid any possible audio hum.
In order to protect the unit from an eventual electrical overload it carries a 250mA fuse (2).
Should it ever blow up, unplug the unit from mains and replace it with an identical one. If the new
fuse blows again contact immediately with our authorized technical service.
ATTENTION: NEVER SHORT-CIRCUIT THE SECURITY PATH OR USE A HIGHER VALUE FUSE.
CAUTION: Fuse substitutions have to be performed by a qualified technician.
3.2. Input signal sources
3.2.1. Turntables
Turntables need a phono cartridge and an intact needle. Consider using specialized
cartridges and needles for hard scratching application. Remember also to replace the needle
approximately every 500 hours of use. Turntables must be fitted with magnetic cartridges of 5.6 to
177mV nominal output level. The PHONO inputs (6-12) of the HAK300 have a very good headroom
so they can accept high output level cartridges. If you use low output, moving coil cartridges, you will
need to use an external preamplifier, placed as near as possible to the turntable and connected
between the cartridge and the mixer.
Please take care on the correct assignment of channels to the Phono inputs (6-12) and
that the turntables ground cable is connected to the HAKs GND (4).

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3.2.2. Microphones
The HAK300 features a Mic input channel. To connect the microphone, insert the Stereo
Mic Jack connection on the back (14) and adjust the small Mic input GAIN (ADJ 13) located on the
back of the mixer. Connections are as follows:
HOT or direct signal Tip
COLD or inverted signal Ring
GROUND Sleeve
Low impedance (200 to 600) monophonic microphones must be used. For non balanced
microphones we recommend monophonic jack plugs although stereo ones are also suitable if the
ring is short-circuited to the sleeve.
3.2.3. CD Players, Mini-Disc, Tape...
Line level devices such as Compact Discs, Tape recorders, Mini-Disc or Video Recorders
can be connected to any LINE input (5-11). Any of these inputs can handle high level signals.
Sensitivity of LINE inputs is rated at -10dBV. This allows connection of virtually any audio source.
3.2.4. Session and Team mixing: HAK direct access to the main MIX
The MIX input allows linking other mixers to the HAK. This Function is especially useful for
Battle-Mixing session. To set-up a session installation, insert the other mixer RCA Output in the back
panel MIX (10) input.
ATTENTION: The other mixer, through its own output level control, must balance the session input
signal level.
4. OPERATION AND USAGE
4.1. Start up
To switch the mixer on push the switch labelled POWER (1) located in the back panel - the
two bottoms Vu-meter, ON leds will light up. Although the switching noise produced by the HAK300
is very low and almost inexistent when starting up the HAK with the main faders down, we highly
recommend the "safe power-up sequence", which means that you should switch on your audio
devices in the following order:
1. Sound sources
2. Mixer, equalizers, active filters
3. Finally, power amplifiers.
Powering off should be done by following the exact reverse sequence in order to avoid any
possible damage to the loudspeakers.

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4.2. Prelistening (Program-Monitoring)
The HAK is equipped with a prelistening system that enables the monitoring of the main
inputs through the VU-meter and the headphones. Thanks to the Program-Monitor function (21) and
the Monitor crossfader (23) it's possible to quickly fade between the two prelistening channels.
4.3. Channel gain
All the HAK300 input channels have accessible input sensitivity GAIN (20-31) or ADJ
(MIC-13) controls. These controls have the function of compensating for differences of level existing
between the sound sources connected to the table.
All input sensivity adjustments must be done very carefully using the VU-METER and/or
headphones as a reference and avoiding that all the red LEDS of the VU-METER light up, otherwise
input could be clipped (Overload). MIC input gain control is located in back panel (ADJ 13).
4.4. Channel equalization
The tone controls for each of the two main channels provide a +10/-30dB boost/cut at high
and low frequencies. This great attenuation range is specially indicated for the already famous “kill”
effect, which nearly “cuts” the band over which it performs. Following indications of experienced DJs,
we have arrayed the control-knobs of the EQ section horizontally. This placement enables a more
comfortable area to work with. Moreover MICRO channel has two band (bass, treble) tone control.
ATTENTION: Use equalization carefully, by boosting too much the low frequency range,
you can induce an excessive displacement of the speakers membrane.
4.5. Replaceable components (faders, crossfader and Input Selector)
In addition to an internally modular assembly system, the HAK have mounted in an
easy-to-replace module all the main components that suffer an especially high wear.
The HAK300 uses a new generation of faders based on the VCA concept (VCA=Voltage
Controlled Amplifier), offering an exceptional precision and smoothness. This fader can achieve a
lifetime of 300.000 cycles, (30 times more than a high quality mechanical fader). After this time
period, and if the faders have been constantly abused, they will show signs of malfunction.
The crossfader now incorporates 2 metallic trimmer detents on its ends so as to reduce
the cur-in-time travel and maximize the “battle” performance of the mixer. The 2 metallic pieces can
be mounted into 4 positions reducing the cut-in-time travel of 0, 2, 3 or 4mm. The trimmer detents
are assembled with the crossfader screws. The mechanical detents are originally mounted with the
0mm position. See Fig.3.

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In order to replace any of the elements, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the fader buttons from the HAKs silver-plated surface.
2. Unscrew the module from the front panel.
3. Remove it from its fitting hole.
4. Remove the screws which correspond to the element you wish to exchange.
5. Unplug the multipin connectors
6. Replace it with a new one.
7. Plug in the multipin that you unplugged in step 5.
8. Gently put the front panel back in its place.
9. Screw it tight.
10. Put the fader buttons back on its place.
In order to achieve the best Input Selector switches position, commonly used as
CUT/TRANSFORMER Switches, the HAK features a rotatable component with 8 different choices.
ATTENTION: Always use original ECLER GENUINE SPARE PARTS for your HAK300.
4.6. Crossfader Reverse Switch
Let's now come to one of the HAKs most important features, highly specialized in scratch
mixing. Turntablists want to demonstrate their skills performing more and more difficult routines.
Therefore, DJ mixers had to adapt these new techniques in their technical layout. One function that
has proven to be extremely useful is the so-called “Hamster Switch”, which reverse (32) the HAK300
Crossfader normal direction. Depending on the chosen "direction", you can perform crossfader cuts
and transforms by moving the crossfaders in the same direction.
4.7. Crossfader curve adjust
Thanks to the VCA concept, it's possible to modify the gain/attenuation behaviour of
crossfader. The HAK300 provides this feature, enabling you to control the fade-in and fade-out
characteristics of the crossfader. The Crossfader knob Shape (33) you adjust the response curve
from soft to hard independently.
4.8. Cutter / Transformer
Both Input selectors Switches found inside the HAK300 are high quality components,
which have proven through the years their excellence due to their great precision and endurance.
Those selector switches are commonly used as CUT/TRANSFORMER Switches by (as a
turntablist example) switching ON the line (so switching OFF the Phono Input) and switching OFF
the line (so switching ON the Phono Input) : you can perform (similar to a "hard" set fader) total cuts
to the respective channel. If this cut-off is done rhythmically to the beat, you will achieve the famous
Transform effect. The direction of the Cut switch can be reversed or customized individually after
unscrewing the front cover (Sec 4.5).

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4.9 Outputs
Headphones: in order to obtain a high performance, these should be of the high
impedance type (200-600). Plug them to the HEADPHONES output (26), in the front panel, by
means of a standard stereo jack. Sleeve is Ground, Ring is Right Channel and Tip is Left Channel.
The HAK300 has two main outputs OUT1 (8) RCA, 0dB at 1k, and OUT2 (7) RCA, 0dB
at 1kwith their own volume control by using a rotary knob to adjust the output signal. Jumpers (Fig
2) can internally adjust main outputs to +6dBV (2V).
CAUTION: Changes on the Output Level have to be performed by a qualified technician.
ATTENTION: You must be careful when setting up the general output level of the
mixer. The "clip" display of the connected power amplifiers must never remain permanently lightened
up, but do it occasionally by following the rhythm of the bass signals that are being played.
The HAK300 mixer has a REC (9) output of 0dBV nominal at 10kload.
5. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
5.1. Ground loops
Ensure at all times that no signal sources reaching the mixing desk and no devices
connected to its output have their earths interconnected; that is, earth should never reach them via
two or more different paths, as this could lead to humming which could even interfere with sound
reproduction quality. In order to avoid earth loops, ensure that the shielding of cables, if connected to
the chassis, are never connected with each other.
5.2. Audio connections
As a general rule of thumb, make the signal connections as short as possible and use the
best connectors and cable available. Cables and connectors are frequently held cheap, forgetting
that a bad connection can result in a poor sound quality.
5.3. Background noise
The use of active circuitry can yield, depending on the configuration, to a significant noise
level. The HAK mixer has been designed for the minimum possible noise. Anyway, the noise level
will always depend on the correct use and installation of the mixer. It is not the same setting up the
FADER at "2" and the MASTER at "10" that the other way round; FADER at "10" and MASTER at
"2". In the first case you get a poor signal to noise ratio that will be fully amplified by the master while
on the second we have a good signal to noise ratio only amplified by "2". As a result, the background
noise is greater in the first case than in the second one.

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5.4. Cleaning
The control panel must not be cleaned with any dissolvent, abrasive or petroleum derivate
substance else paint and silk printing could be damaged. Whenever cleaning should be necessary
use a soft cloth slightly wet with water and neutral liquid soap or with a solution of water and alcohol
at 50%. Be careful that no liquid gets into the mixer. Never use sharp or erosive objects to scratch
the control panel. Should any liquid get into the mixer, do not use any cleaning sprays; send the unit
to the nearest ECLER Technical Service.