Midas XL42 User manual

Klark Teknik Group,
Klark Teknik Building,
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.
Tel:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.midasconsoles.com
OPERATORS MANUAL
XL42

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards
with electrical products.
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.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers
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 personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus is 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.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
AVIS:RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR

89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
amended by 92/31/EEC & 93/68/EEC
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive
amended by 93/68/EEC
Generic Emissions Standard EN55013:1990
Generic Immunity Standard EN50082:1992
Electrical Safety UL6500-03(Pending at time of publication)
E60065-03(Pending at time of publication)
EN60065:2002(Pending at time of publication)
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, Klark Teknik Group (UK) PLC
of, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7HJ
Declare that a sample of the following product:-
to which this declaration refers, is in conformity with the following directives and/or standards:-
Signed:............................
Name: Simon Harrison
Authority: Research & Development Director, Klark Teknik Group (UK) PLC
Product Type Number Product Description Nominal Voltage (s) Current Freq
Date: 7th May 2004
A Subsidiary of Telex communications, Inc.
Directive(s) Test Standard(s)
Attention!
Where applicable, the attention of the specifier, purchaser, installer or user is drawn to special limitations of
use which must be observed when these products are taken into service to maintain compliance with the
above directives. Details of these special measures and limitations to use are available on request and are
availablein product manuals.
XL42 Dual Channel Strip 230V/115V 70mA / 50/60Hz
140mA
Klark Teknik Group (UK) Plc, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster. Worcs. DY11 7HJ. England
Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]
www.midasconsoles.com www.klarkteknik.com

Introduction Page 1
Before you start Page 2
After you Unpack Page 3
Front Panel Page 5
Input Section Page 6
EQ Section Page 7
Output Section Page 8
Rear Panel Page 9
System Connection Page 13
Auto-mute Operation Page 14
Daisy Chain Operation Page 15
Technical Specification Page 17
Contents
Thank You for using a Midas XL42 dual channel creative equaliser. The XL42 has been developed to meet the needs of
demanding live sound engineers and meets the quality of build and performance that you would expect from a Midas.
The XL42 is backed up by the standard Midas Three Year Warranty.
Please take the time to complete and return the registration card.
Finally,
Enjoy your new Midas XL42!
In view of this flexibility, we hope that you will spend a
little time reading through this operator's manual, as this will allow you to obtain the best results from your XL42 with a
minimum of effort.
Contents

The Midas XL42 is a 1U rack mounting, dual channel creative equaliser incorporating the XL4 four-band parametric
equalisation and XL4 mic/line preamplifiers with +48V phantom power.
Each channel has input gain, output level and pan rotary controls, 10-segment metering LED plus a switchable insert
send and return point. The XL42 also features Automute scene control from the Automute masters of XL consoles which
are enabled by DIP switches on the rear of the unit.
The purpose of this unit is threefold:
1.To improve the audio quality of an inferior console by adding a Midas mic preamp and EQ.
2.To create custom mixing consoles through the ability to daisy-chain multiple units. When linked together, the
combined outputs will sum, producing discrete L&R channels.
3.If a production requires, for example, 10 channels more than the input capacity of the master console, five XL42's
can be fitted in a standard rack together with any required dynamic processing, which can be inserted via the
XL42's insert points, thus creating a custom 10 into 2 mixer via the output daisy chain feature. The resulting L&R
outputs may then be routed to the master console via any convenient point i.e. a pair of aux returns, group inputs,
matrix inputs etc.
As a stand-alone unit, the XL42 is ideally suited to applications requiring a high quality front end, such as stereo
recording etc.
IntroductionIntroduction
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 1

Installation Precautions
Voltage Selection and Power Connection
Mains power to the XL42 is supplied by means of a standard fused IEC power socket. The XL42 is designed to operate at
nominal mains voltages of 115V and 230V V a.c. at either 50 or 60 Hz, however upon first use (and whenever the mains
supply is changed) the input voltage selector on the rear of the unit must be set to reflect the local power supply. This
information is also printed on the rear of the unit below the mains inlet socket.
This device must be earthed and must use an approved mains fuse. Before connecting to the mains supply, ensure
the fuse fitted is the correct type and rating as indicated on the rear panel, adjacent to the fuse holder and that
the correct mains supply voltage is selected.
Safety Warning
To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC Mains, turn the power switch to the off position. The power
switch shall remain readily operable.
Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.
For safety reasons the earth lead for this unit should never be disconnected. In the event of ground loop
problems, under no circumstances must the mains earth be removed. Instead, disconnect the signal screen at
one end of the connecting cables.
N.B. This can only be done when the unit is being used within a balanced system.
To prevent shock or fire hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock do not
remove covers. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Attention! Cables
The inputs and outputs are balanced on conventionally wired XLRs (pin 1 screen, pin 2 hot and pin 3 cold). This product
should only be used with high quality, screened twisted pair audio cables, terminated with metal-bodied 3-pin XLR
connectors. Any other cable type or configuration for the audio signals may result in degraded performance due to
electromagnetic interference.
Note that +48V phantom power can only be used with balanced cables.
Electric Fields
Should this product be used in an electromagnetic field that is amplitude modulated by an audio frequency signal (20Hz
to 20kHz), the signal to noise ratio may be degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB at a frequency corresponding to the
modulation signal may be experienced under extreme conditions (3V/m, 90% modulation).
No permanent damage or degradation of performance will be caused by these conditions.
Do not install this unit in a location subjected to excessive heat, dust or mechanical vibration. Allow for adequate
ventilation around the unit, making sure the unit's vents are not obstructed. To avoid excessive heating of the unit,
avoid mounting the unit directly above power amplifiers or other devices that radiate significant amounts of heat.
Where necessary, use fan-cooled racks.
Before You StartBefore You Start
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 2

Before unpacking the XL42 check packaging for signs of damage, as this could be a sign of damage to the unit inside.
After unpacking the XL42 check the unit for signs of damage to the casing. Damage to consignments must usually be
reported to the courier within 24 hours in order for a claim to be made.
Please retain the packaging for your XL42 as it will become useful should you need to transport the unit.
Please also retain the XL42's operators guide (this manual) and any other associated documentation.
After You Have Unpacked the UnitAfter You Have Unpacked the Unit
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 3

EQ section
Output section
Mains switch
The mains switch is a
conventional latching type switch,
which is on when depressed. The
action of the switch is firm but
does not require excessive force,
which may damage the unit. A red
LED is provided to the left of the
power switch to indicate that the
XL42 is receiving mains power
.
Input section
The XL42 is a highly featured 1U 19” rackmount dual channel
strip.The unit is split into two identical channel strips, each
with identical function but having independent inputs and
outputs.
Front PanelFront Panel
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 5

Input section
The Mic/Line gain knob gives a continuously
variable input gain control depending upon the
input selected.
Microphone: +15dB to +70dB Gain
Microphone : -10dB to +45dB
(PAD enabled)
The PAD line/switch provides 25dB of
attenuation to the input signal and allows the
connection of high output microphones or line
level signals. If the using the XL42's optional
transformer-coupled input, the pad greatly
reduces the risk of saturation at very low
frequencies.
A +48 volt Phantom Power switch is provided to
allow the connection of devices that require
phantom power (i.e. Condenser Microphones,
D.I. Boxes etc.).
The Phase switch inverts the input signal by
applying a 180-degree phase shift.
Front PanelFront Panel
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 6

The Bass, Lo-Mid, Hi-Mid and Treble bands use dual concentric rotary controls. The outside ring controls the band cut
and boost in the range -15dB to +15dB. The inner ring of the dial controls the bandwidth of the filter in the range 0.1 to
2 octaves (with a centre detent at 0.5 octave).
EQ section
The Bass FREQUENCY
control selects the frequency
at which the bass equaliser
band acts and is
continuously variable from
20Hz to 400Hz.
Bass Band Gain/Attenuation
(outside ring). Bass
bandwidth (inside ring
activated when Bell 9 - is
selected).
The Bass Band BELL switch
enables or disables the
Parametric EQ for the bass
band. The Bell switch is a
conventional latching switch
- when depressed the
equaliser band will work in
full parametric mode,
otherwise the equaliser band
will act like a traditional
MIDAS shelving response
EQ.
The Hi-Mid FREQUENCY
control selects the frequency
at which the hi-mid equaliser
band acts and is
continuously variable from
400Hz to 8kHz.
The EQ Switch enables or
disables the equaliser in the
signal path. (This parameter
is automatable).
The Lo-Mid FREQUENCY
control selects the frequency
at which the lo-mid equaliser
band acts and is
continuously variable from
100Hz to 2KHz.
Lo-Mid Band
Gain/Attenuation (outside
ring). Lo-Mid bandwidth
(inside ring).
Hi-Mid Band
Gain/Attenuation (outside
ring). Hi-Mid bandwidth
(inside ring).
Treble Band
Gain/Attenuation (outside
ring). Treble bandwidth
(inside ring, activated when
Bell is selected).
The Treble Band BELL switch
enables or disables the
Parametric EQ for the treble
band. The Bell switch is a
conventional latching switch
- when depressed the
equaliser band will work in
full parametric mode,
otherwise the equaliser band
will act like a traditional
MIDAS shelving response
EQ.
The Lo-Cut control selects
the HPF frequency and is
continuously variable from
20Hz to 400Hz. The Lo-Cut
filter is enabled by pressing
the Lo-Cut switch.
The Lo-Cut Switch is a
conventional latching switch
where the filter is enabled
when the switch is
depressed.
The Treble FREQUENCY
control selects the frequency
at which the treble equaliser
band acts and is
continuously variable from
1KHz to 20KHz.
Front PanelFront Panel
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 7

Output section
The pan control places the input within a stereo
(Left/Right) mix. The pan control has a
constant power law such that at it's centre
position, each output is attenuated by 3dB. The
Pan control is enabled by the PAN switch (19).
With the PAN switch disabled, the XL42 is
essentially two independent channel strips.
With Pan enabled, output signal from each
input strip is distributed between the two
outputs.
The output level (inner ring on dial) controls the
output level in the range infinity to +10dB.
Note: When using the Link inputs, the link input
may be pre- or post-output level control.
The INSERT (INS) switch selects whether the
input insert return signal is routed to the input
channel before or after equaliser stage.
The MUTE switch mutes the channel outputs.
The mute may also be controlled via the
Automute link which is selected using DIP
switches on the rear panel
Note: The Link input can be internally
jumpered to be pre or postmute. The default
state is:- link input bypasses mute.
The output peak level meter monitors the level
of the channel. By default, this is post output
level and pan, however this may be internally
set to be pre-level, pan and insert.
The PAN switch selects whether the PAN pot is
active or not.
Front PanelFront Panel
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 8

Left / Right Input
Left / Right Link Input
Left / Right Output
Left / Right Insertion
Points
Remote Control
Automute Assigns
Automute Input /
Automute Link
Supply Voltage
IEC Power Inlet
Your XL42 should come complete with the correct IEC mains lead for
the country in which it was intended for sale. If replacing the mains
lead, replace with a recommended part and ensure that the fuse is
of the correct type.
The XL42 must be earthed.
The XL42 rear panel houses both the input and output
sockets as well as the insert points, remote control and
Automute sockets and power inlet and selector.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE FUSE WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING
FUSE 5X20mm
115V T315mAL250V
230V T160mAL250V 115 / 230V~ 50-60Hz 40W
REMPLACER PAR
UN FUSIBLE DE
MEME TYPE
ATTENTION RISQUE
DE CHOC NE
PAS ENLEVER
WARNING
DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOiSTURE
CAUTION
THIS
EQUIPMENT
MUST BE
EARTHED
SUPPLY
VOLTAGE
LEFT INPUTRIGHT INPUT LEFT LINK INPUTRIGHT LINK INPUT LEFT OUTPUTRIGHT OUTPUT
RETURN RETURNSEND SEND
RIGHT
1995
RIGHT
LEFT
LEFT
INSERTION POINTS
AUTOMUTE ASSIGNS
REMOTE CONTROL
AUTOMUTE INPUT
AUTOMUTE LINK
PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH
230
NRTL/C
Rear PanelRear Panel
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 9

LEFT INPUTRIGHT INPUT LEFT LINK INPUTRIGHT LINK INPUT LEFT OUTPUTRIGHT OUTPUT
PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH
Left / Right Input
Balanced XLR input to the channel strip from
Microphones, D.I. Boxes, Line etc.
Input Impedances: Mic 2kOhm Balanced
Mic (with Pad) 3kOhm Balanced
Max Input Level: Mic +6dBu
Mic (with Pad) +26dBu
Left / Right Link Input
When used in a daisy chain, the Link Input is summed
with the output from the XL42's input channels to the
output so that the daisy chain may continue. A much
larger console can be created by adding extra XL42s
using the output from the last XL42 in the chain as the
master output.
Input Impedances: 20kOhm Balanced
Max Input Level: +21dBu
Left/Right Insertion Points
The insert points can be used to add additional
processing into the signal path (e.g. Dynamics
Processors, Graphic EQ, Effects, etc.).
Input Impedances: 20kOhm Balanced
Max Input Level: +21dBu
The insert send and return are on independent
balanced jacks.
Left / Right Output
Balanced XLR output from the Channel Strip.
The Output signal will be a combination of the LINK input plus the output
from the XL42's input channels. If PAN is selected on either of the inputs,
the outputs will be a stereo combination of the input channels PLUS the
LINK input. If pan is disabled on the channels, the output will be a
combination of the input channel and the LINK input only.
It is worth noting here, that if one input channel has PAN enabled and
one does not, the channel with pan enabled obeys the PAN law of the pan
pot, however no signal is introduced into the other output. Only when
both channel PAN switches are enabled does the unit enter full stereo
mode (i.e. either output can be a combination of either input).
Max Output Level:+21dBu
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 10
Rear PanelRear Panel

Automute Input /Automute Link
The Automute input should be wired according
to the following diagram. The Automute link
socket can be used to extend the Automute
connection to other XL42s in the daisy chain.
Automute Connection Details
12345
54321
6789
9876
Left / Right Insertion Points
The insert points can be used to add additional
processing into the signal path (e.g. Dynamics
Processors, Graphic EQ, Effects, etc.).
Input Impedances: 20kOhm Balanced
Max Input Level +21dBu
The insert send and return are on independent
balanced jacks.
Remote Control Automute Assigns
The 9-pin plug for the Automute system allows up
to 8 Automute channels. The input channels of the
XL42 can be set to mute on one of these 8
Automute channels by switching on the
corresponding channel number on the DIP switch
for the XL42's input channels.
Supply Voltage
The supply voltage is switchable between 115VAC
and 230VAC depending upon the mains power
supply available in the country in which the unit is
to be used.
Note: The supply voltage selector must be set
before plugging the unit into the mains. Under NO
CIRCUMSTANCES should the switch be changed
whilst the unit is plugged in.
WARNING
DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOiSTURE
SUPPLY
VOLTAGE
RETURN RETURNSEND SEND
RIGHT
1995
RIGHT
LEFT
LEFT
INSERTION POINTS
AUTOMUTE ASSIGNS
REMOTE CONTROL
AUTOMUTE INPUT
AUTOMUTE LINK
230
NRTL/C
Pin 1 Automute 1
Pin 2 Automute 2
Pin 3 Automute 3
Pin 4 Automute 4
Pin 5 Automute 5
Pin 6 Automute 6
Pin 7 Automute 7
Pin 8 Automute 8
Pin 9 Common
115/230V~ 50-60Hz 40W
XL42 Operators Manual - Page 11
Rear PanelRear Panel