PROEL MQ16USB User manual

MQ16USB
16 Channel Mixer
with Effect and USB
USER’S MANUAL
MANUALE D’USO
ENGLISH
ITALIANO
96MAN0136-R EV.30/18

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SUMMARY - ENGLISH
DISPOSAL OF OLD ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT .................................................................4
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..........................................................................................................4
IN CASE OF FAULT...................................................................................................................................4
PACKAGING, SHIPPING AND COMPLAINT..............................................................................................4
WARRANTY AND PRODUCTS RETURN ...................................................................................................4
MAINTENANCE AND DISCLAIMER..........................................................................................................5
POWER SUPPLY ......................................................................................................................................5
CONFORMITY .........................................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................6
DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................................................................6
INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................6
1. MIC-XLR / LINE-JACK combo input (ch. 1 ÷ 8).............................................................................6
2. LO CUT switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8).............................................................................................................8
3. CHANNEL GAIN control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16).................................................................................8
4. COMP compressor control (ch. 1 ÷ 8) .........................................................................................8
5. COMP indicator (ch. 1 ÷ 8) ..........................................................................................................8
6. EQ section HIGH control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16) ...............................................................................8
7. EQ section MID LEVEL control (ch. 1 ÷ 8)....................................................................................8
8. EQ section FREQ control (ch. 1 ÷ 8).............................................................................................8
9. EQ section LOW control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16) ................................................................................8
10. AUX 1 control (pre) (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)....................................................................................8
11. AUX 2 control (pre) (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)....................................................................................9
12. AUX 3 send control (pre/post) (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16) ..................................................................9
13. POST switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)...............................................................................................9
14. AUX4/FX send control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16) ...............................................................................9
15. PAN control (ch. 1 ÷ 8).............................................................................................................9
16. MUTE switch/LED (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)......................................................................................9
17. MIX switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16).................................................................................................9
18. 1-2 switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16) ..................................................................................................9
19. PEAK/PFL detector (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16).....................................................................................9
20. PFL switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)..................................................................................................9
21. CHANNEL FADER level control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16).................................................................10
22. MIC-XLR / LINE-JACK L MONO combo input (ch. 9 ÷ 16) ......................................................10
23. LINE-JACK R Input (ch. 10 / 12 / 14 / 16)...............................................................................10
24. EQ section MID control (ch. 9 ÷ 16).......................................................................................10
25. BAL control (ch. 9 ÷ 16) .........................................................................................................10
26. FX PRESETS selector...............................................................................................................10
27. FX DISPLAY number ...............................................................................................................11
28. EFFECT MUTE button.............................................................................................................11
29. FX MUTE pedal jack input......................................................................................................11
30. EFFECT PEAK/MUTE detector................................................................................................11
31. FX FADER level control...........................................................................................................11
32. 2TRK inputs............................................................................................................................11
33. USB/2TRK IN level control .....................................................................................................11
34. MIX - CH15/16 switch............................................................................................................11
35. USB/2TRK OUT level control..................................................................................................11

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36. 2 TRK OUT PEAK detector......................................................................................................12
37. MIX - AUX 1-2 switch .............................................................................................................12
38. 2TRK outputs .........................................................................................................................12
39. AUX 1 SEND level control ......................................................................................................12
40. AUX 1 SEND jack output ........................................................................................................12
41. AUX 2 SEND level control ......................................................................................................12
42. AUX 2 SEND jack output........................................................................................................12
43. AUX 3 SEND level control ......................................................................................................12
44. AUX 3 SEND jack output ........................................................................................................12
45. AUX 4 / FX SEND level control ...............................................................................................12
46. AUX 4 SEND jack output........................................................................................................12
47. GROUPS 1-2 FADER level control...........................................................................................13
48. GROUPS 1-2 jack output........................................................................................................13
49. GROUP TO MIX switch...........................................................................................................13
50. MAIN MIX to C.ROOM switch................................................................................................13
51. GROUP 1-2 to C.ROOM switch ..............................................................................................13
52. 2TRK to C.ROOM switch ........................................................................................................13
53. PHONES level control ............................................................................................................13
54. PHONES stereo jack output...................................................................................................13
55. C.ROOM level control............................................................................................................13
56. C.ROOM L & R jack output ....................................................................................................13
57. PFL ACTIVE LED......................................................................................................................13
58. L & R LEVEL meters................................................................................................................14
59. MAIN MIX FADER level control..............................................................................................14
60. MAIN MIX L & R XLR output balanced ..................................................................................14
61. MAIN MIX L & R jack output balanced..................................................................................14
62. +48V phantom switch and LED..............................................................................................14
63. ON LED...................................................................................................................................14
64. USB PORT socket ...................................................................................................................14
65. POWER switch .......................................................................................................................15
66. AC~ socket .............................................................................................................................15
67. FUSE holder ...........................................................................................................................15
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ..................................................................................................................16
Mechanical Dimensions .......................................................................................................................32
Configurations Example .......................................................................................................................33
Accessories...........................................................................................................................................34
Connectors ...........................................................................................................................................35

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DISPOSAL OF OLD ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
This marking shown on the product or its literature, indicates that it should not be disposed with
other household wastes at the end of its working life. To prevent possible harm to the
enviroment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate this from other
types of wastes and recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources.
Household users should contact either the retailer where they purchased this product, or their
local government office, for details of where and how they can take this item for environmentally safe
recycling. Business users should contact their supplier and check the terms and conditions of the purchase
contract. This product should not be mixed with other commercial wastes for disposal.
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•CAUTION - Before using this product read carefully the following safety instructions. Take a look of this
manual entirely and preserve it for future reference. When using any electric product, basic precautions
should always be taken, including the following:
•To reduce the risk, close supervision is necessary when the product is used near children.
•Protect the apparatus from atmospheric agents and keep it away from water, rain and high humidity places.
•This product should be site away from heat sources such as radiators, lamps and any other device that generate heat.
•Care should be taken so that objects and liquids do not go inside the product.
•The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described on the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.
IN CASE OF FAULT
•In case of fault or maintenance this product should be inspected only by qualified service personnel when:
•Liquids have spilled inside the product.
•The product has fallen and been damaged.
•The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
•Do not operate on the product, it has no user-serviceable parts inside.
•Refer servicing to an authorized maintenance center.
PACKAGING, SHIPPING AND COMPLAINT
•This unit package has been submitted to ISTA 1A integrity tests. We suggest you control the unit
conditions immediately after unpacking it.
•If any damage is found, immediately advise the dealer. Keep all unit packaging parts to allow inspection.
•Proel is not responsible for any damage that occurs during shipment.
•Products are sold “delivered ex warehouse” and shipment is at charge and risk of the buyer.
•Possible damages to unit should be immediately notified to forwarder. Each complaint for manumitted
package should be done within eight days from product receipt.
WARRANTY AND PRODUCTS RETURN
•Proel products have operating warranty and comply their specifications, as stated by manufacturer.
•Proel warrants all materials, workmanship and proper operation of this product for a period of two years
from the original date of purchase. If any defects are found in the materials or workmanship or if the
product fails to function properly during the applicable warranty period, the owner should inform about
these defects the dealer or the distributor, providing receipt or invoice of date of purchase and defect

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detailed description. This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation,
misuse, neglect or abuse. Proel S.p.A. will verify damage on returned units, and when the unit has been
properly used and warranty is still valid, then the unit will be replaced or repaired. Proel S.p.A. is not
responsible for any "direct damage" or "indirect damage" caused by product defectiveness.
MAINTENANCE AND DISCLAIMER
•Clean only with dry cloth.
•Proel products have been expressly designed for audio application, with signals in audio range (20Hz to
20kHz). Proel has no liability for damages caused in case of lack of maintenance, modifications, improper
use or improper installation non-applying safety instructions.
•Proel S.p.A. reserves the right to change these specifications at any time without notice.
•Proel S.p.A. declines any liability for damages to objects or persons caused by lack of maintenance,
improper use, installation not performed with safety precautions and at the state of the art.
POWER SUPPLY
•This apparatus should only be connected to power source type specified in this owner’s manual or on the unit.
•If the supplied AC power cable plug is different from the wall socket, please contact an electrician to
change the AC power plug.
•Hold the plug and the wall outlet while disconnecting the unit from AC power.
•If the unit will not be used for a long period of time, please unplug the power cord from AC power outlet.
•To avoid unit power cord damage, please do not strain the AC power cable and do not bundle it, do not
step on it or pinch it by heavy objects.
•The mains plug is used as disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
CONFORMITY
•The product is in compliance with CE Directive LVD 2014 / 35 / CE as stated in EN 60065 standard.
•The product is in compliance with CE Directive EMC 2014 / 30 / CE as stated in EN 55103-1 and EN
55103-2 standards.
FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to corr
ect the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing this PROEL product and for your trust in our brand, synonymous of professionalism,
accuracy, high quality and reliability. All our products are CE approved and designed for continuous use in
professional applications.
DESCRIPTION
MQ is a series of mixers created by PROEL to offer in a very compact and stylish package a high input density,
a full set of features and a superior audio quality, at a very convenient price point. The MQ series includes 5
models with 6, 10, 12 and 16 inputs, able to satisfy most of the sound reinforcement applications. Carefully
designed and engineered in Italy by PROEL R&D, MQ mixers are hosted in ultra-rugged cases, providing
extended durability for a stage-proof use.
The smallest models of the series, MQ6 and MQ6FX, offer in an ultra-compact format the performance of
professional consoles, delivering a clean and accurate sound. The MQ6FX, despite its small size, includes a
high-quality 24-bit DSP able to provide musicians and performers with studio-grade effects.
MQ10FX, together with 3-band EQ and one-knob intelligent COMPRESSORS, offers also 100 DSP presets with
a convenient LED display for the selection.
MQ12USB additional features include an USB audio I/O interface and extended mixing capability with
MONITOR send, STEREO GROUP bus and 45mm control faders.
The top-of-the-line MQ16USB feature 16 inputs and 12 microphone channels together with sweep mids and
one-knob intelligent COMPRESSORS on mono channels, 4 AUX sends, STEREO GROUP bus and 60mm control
faders.
Optional padded carrying bags and metal brackets for 19” rack mounting are available for selected models.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. MIC-XLR / LINE-JACK combo input (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
This is a female MIC-XLR / LINE-JACK combo connector that accepts a balanced microphone XLR input from
almost any type of microphone, or a balanced or unbalanced line level JACK input signal from almost any line
source.
The MIC-XLR input is wired as follows:
Pin 1 = shield or ground
Pin 2 = + positive or "hot"
Pin 3 = - negative or "cold"
The LINE-JACK input is wired as follows:
Tip = + positive or "hot"
Ring = - negative or "cold"
Sleeve = shield or ground
When connecting an unbalanced signal, wire them as follows:
Pin2 / Tip = + positive or "hot"
Pin 1-3 / Sleeve = shield or ground

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2. LO CUT switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
This switch cuts bass frequencies below 75 Hz at a rate of 18 dB per octave. We recommend that you use the
LO CUT filter on every microphone application except kick drum, bass guitar, bassy synth patches or
recordings. These aside, there isn’t much down there that you want to hear and filtering it out makes the low
stuff you do want much more crisp and tasty. Not only that, but the LO CUT filter can help reduce the
possibility of feedbacks in live situations and it helps to conserve the amplifier power. Another way to use the
LO CUT filter is in combination with the LOW EQ on vocals during live performances. Many times, bass
shelving EQ can really benefit voices. Trouble is, adding LOW EQ also boosts stage rumble, mic handling
clunks, and breath pops.
3. CHANNEL GAIN control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
The gain control adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs. This allows the signal from mics and
instruments to be adjusted to optimal internal levels. If the signals are plugged into the XLR input there is a 0
dB of gain with the knob turned all way down, rising up to 40 dB of gain fully up. When connected to the jack
input of any channels, there is 20 dB of attenuation all way down and 20 dB of gain fully up.
4. COMP compressor control (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
Each mono channel features a single-control compressor, able to adjust the overall dynamic range of the signal and to
increase its loudness. When rotating the control to the right, the loudest signals are reduced in order to avoid clipping,
while the quietest parts are boosted, producing a smooth, unified sound with no excessive peaks or distortion.
NOTE: avoid setting the compression too high, as the higher average output level that results may lead to
feedback.
5. COMP indicator (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
The COMP LED lights when the signal compression effect is engaged (it depends on the position of the
control and on the audio signal level).
6. EQ section HIGH control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This control gives you up to 15dB boost or cut at 12KHz with a “SHELVING” curve shape. Use it to increase or
reduce the sound “clarity” or “brightness”.
7. EQ section MID LEVEL control (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
This control gives you up to 15 dB boost or cut at the frequency determined by the FREQ knob (see FREQ
next) with a "PEAKING" curve shape. Use it to add or reduce the sound "presence".
8. EQ section FREQ control (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
This knob ranges from 100 Hz to 8 kHz and determines the center frequency for the MID EQ. This allows you
to select the precise narrow band of frequencies you want to be affected by the MID EQ.
9. EQ section LOW control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This control gives you up to 15dB boost or cut at 80Hz with a “SHELVING” curve shape. Use it to increase or
reduce the sound “punch”.
10. AUX 1 control (pre) (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This control sends the channel signal to the AUX 1 output. This signal is always pre-fader, i.e. it is
independent by the position of the FADER LEVEL control.

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11. AUX 2 control (pre) (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This control sends the channel signal to the AUX 2 output. This signal is always pre-fader, i.e. it is
independent by the position of the FADER LEVEL control.
12. AUX 3 send control (pre/post) (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This control sends the signal to the AUX 3 output. This signal is normally pre-fader, but it could be set post-
fader pressing the POST switch: in this case the signal level depends on the position of the channel FADER.
13. POST switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
Push this switch to set the AUX 3 control post-fader or release it to set the AUX 3 pre-fader. The pre-fader
setting is preferable if you want to use the AUX 3 send as stage monitor, so to have your stage mix
independent from MAIN MIX.
14. AUX4/FX send control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This control sends the signal to the AUX 4 output and to the internal Digital Effect Processor. This signal is
post-fader or, in other words, it depends on the position of the channel's FADER.
15. PAN control (ch. 1 ÷ 8)
It adjusts the amount of channel signal sent to the left versus the right outputs. Use it to position the sound
origin in a panoramic stereo scene.
16. MUTE switch/LED (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
When you engage a channel’s mute switch, its signal disappears from these outputs: MAIN MIX, GROUPS 1-2,
AUX 1÷3, AUX 4/FX.
NOTE: the input channel signal is not completely muted by this switch, so you can listen to it thru headphones
and C.ROOM outputs acting on the PFL button.
17. MIX switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
Engaging this switch you assign the channel signal to the MAIN MIX bus regulated by the MAIN MIX faders.
Typically, the MIX switch will be engaged on all channels except those assigned separately to GROUPS 1-2.
18. 1-2 switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
Engaging this switch you assign the channel signal to the GROUPS 1-2 bus regulated by the GROUPS 1-2
faders. You can use the GROUPS 1-2 jacks as separate outputs or, engaging the switch GRP TO MIX, to create
a submix for a set of channels (all the drums channels, for instance): in this case you can control the assigned
GROUPS 1-2 signals together and independently from the rest of the mix.
19. PEAK/PFL detector (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
This LED has two functions:
•If the PEAK LED lights permanently this means that you have activated the PFL switch of this channel.
•If the PEAK LED flashes this means that the input signal is near to the CLIPPING point.
IMPORTANT: if the LED PEAK flashes reduce the level of the input signal using the GAIN control.
20. PFL switch (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
PFL is the abbreviation of Pre-Fader Listening, so this switch allows you to hear signals through your
headphones or control room outputs and to display the level on LED meters. Use the PFL in live sets to pre-

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listen channels before they are fed into the mix or just to check out a particular channel anytime during a
session. You can PFL as many channels at a time as you like.
21. CHANNEL FADER level control (ch. 1 ÷ 8 / 9 ÷ 16)
It adjusts the level of the channel signal and send it to the MAIN MIX and/or to the GROUPS 1-2 buses.
22. MIC-XLR / LINE-JACK L MONO combo input (ch. 9 ÷ 16)
This is a female JACK/XLR combo connector that accepts a balanced microphone XLR input from almost any
type of microphone or a balanced or unbalanced line level JACK input signal from almost any line source. If
the LINE R jack is not inserted, this channel operates like a MONO channel with this input as a single signal
source. Wiring is the same of previous paragraphs.
23. LINE-JACK R Input (ch. 10 / 12 / 14 / 16)
This is a JACK connector that accepts a balanced or unbalanced line level input signal from almost any line
source. This is used only in presence of LINE L jack input to use the channel as STEREO.
24. EQ section MID control (ch. 9 ÷ 16)
This control gives you up to 15 dB boost or cut at 2.5 KHz with a “PEAKING” curve shape. Use it to increase or
reduce the sound “presence”.
25. BAL control (ch. 9 ÷ 16)
It adjusts the amount of channel signal sent to the left versus the right outputs if the channel is used as
MONO, or it fades the LEFT or RIGHT signal amount if the channel is used as STEREO.
26. FX PRESETS selector
The internal Digital Effect Processor is built around a powerful 24bit DSP. It includes 100 different presets of
studio-grade effect algorithms.
HOW TO USE THE FX:
- rotate the SELECTOR knob (26) to choose the type of effect (preset) you want to use; rotating the knob the
number on the display scrolls and flashes. After you have chosen the effect, press the SELECTOR (26): the
preset will be loaded and the number on the display will remain fixed.
- send the signal to the effect with the FX control (11) of the channel you want to add the effect to;
- raise up the FX LEVEL (30) fader until you hear the effect added to the original signal;
- adjust the FX controls (11) just before the signal input clipping indicated by the peak led (29);
- re-adjust the FX LEVEL (30) fader to combine the wet effected signal with the natural dry signal.
PRESET DESCRIPTION:
p 00-09. HALL – This type of reverb simulates the ambience of a concert hall varying its size from larger to
smaller. Dense, smooth reverb with long pre-delay and a lot of high frequency reflections. Works well
with vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, strings and woodwinds.
p 10-19. ROOM – This type of reverb reproduces the more intimate ambience of natural room acoustics. It
features a lot of early reflections with a few of high frequency. Emulating two different type of rooms
and scaling their size from bigger to smaller (10-14 and 15-19), works well with vocals, fingered
guitars, drums.
p 20-29. PLATE – This is a simulation of classic '70s and '80s metal plate reverbs, starting with a longer tail
scaling to shorter tail. Works well with vocals, and any instrument in order to achieve the vintage
sound of many recordings.
p 30-39. MONO DELAY – Typical echo + feedback effect with decreasing delay times.
p 40-49. STEREO DELAY – Typical echo + feedback effect with ping-pong of left and right channels with