Manual -7 -4 0 POWER 1/2 3/4 Mono 5/6 Mono 7/8 Mono MixDream XP Discrete Class A 16 in 2 summing mixer Mono Variable Output 9/10 -12 3 11/12 Mono 13/14 Mono 15/16 Mono Mono Expansion Input 5 -13 dB Output 7 -14 Model 2591 MixDream XP Model 2591 Analog 16:2 summing unit Manual MixDream XP Version 1.0, 5/2005 Designer: Ruben Tilgner Model 2591 This manual contains a description of the product. It in no way represents a guarantee of particular characteristics or results of use. The information in this document has been carefully compiled and verified and, unless otherwise stated or agreed upon, correctly describes the product at the time of packaging with this document. Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products and reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time without prior notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL. CE Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer: Type of Equipment: Product: SPL electronics GmbH Audio Signal Processor MixDream XP, Model 2591 Compliance Engineer: Wolfgang Neumann Test Basis: EN 50081-1:1992, EN 50082-1:1992, EN 60065:1993 , EN 610003-3:1995, EN 60065:2002, EN 55013:2001, EN 55020:2002, EN 61000-3-2:2000, 73/23 EWG; 93/68 EWG. We herewith declare, that the construction of the MixDream XP, model 2591, is in compliance with the standards and regulations mentioned above. SPL electronics GmbH Sohlweg 55, 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany Tel. +49 216 398 340, Fax +49 216 398 3420 EMail: info@soundperformancelab.com Internet: www.soundperformancelab.com 2 © 2005 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Names of other companies and their products are trademarks of their respective owners. Contents Introduction .................................................................... Analog vs. Digital Summing ............................................ Advantages And Special Features ................................... MixDream XP Advantages--An Overview ......................... Connection of Samplers, Keyboards etc. ......................... Mono Switches ................................................................ Before You Begin ............................................................ Rear Panel/Connections ................................................. Wiring ............................................................................. General advices .............................................................. Input Channels ................................................................ Main Outputs ...................................................................... Monitor Outputs ............................................................. Control Elements ............................................................ Output Control ................................................................ Variable Output Switch ................................................... Mono Switch ................................................................... Expansion Input Switch ................................................... GND-Lift Switch ............................................................... Applications and Modes of Operation ............................. Summing ........................................................................ Summing of Subgroups ................................................... MixDream XP in Mastering Applications ........................... Linking Several MixDream XP ........................................... Block Diagram ................................................................. Measurements ................................................................ Power Supply .................................................................. Specifications, Dimensions and Weight ........................... Warranty ......................................................................... 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 14 16 17 18 MixDream XP 3 Introduction The MixDreamXP design plan provides for stereo mixdown at the analog level. This concept offers high-grade analog summing without panorama and fader controls, in turn allowing an engineer to retain the entire scope of his computer automation. In use, the MixDreamXP requires almost no departures from an engineer`s usual working mode, so that all his trusted DAW features and familiar working routines remain available while the MixDreamXP seamlessly expands his aural mixing palette. One MixDreamXP can sum up to 16 audio tracks to a stereo signal, and should the need arise for more than 16 tracks, several MixDreamXP may be linked together. Owners of a MixDream, model 2384, can expand this unit with the cost effective MIxDreamXP at an identical quality level and by the way, that`s where the suffix "XP" comes from (=Expansion). The MixDreamXP discrete class A technology is based on the same 60-volt rails (+/- 30V) of the MixDream model 2384. Newly developed circuitry, based on the most modern analog components, guarantees an extremely high slew rate, a very low noise level of -97 dBu and a dynamic range of 125 dB. Thus the MixDreamXP easily reaches the technical level of the best analog consoles. Analog vs. Digital Summing Nowadays, many are asking whether analog summing is better than digital summing. But perhaps the real question is whether digital summing better than analog summing? We at SPL don`t know of anyone who says so. We do know that summing with the MixDreamXP creates an amazing signal depth, precise localization and a wonderful stereo imaging. Moreover, the addition of individual instruments results in soft and pleasant transitions. These are analog summing results that we appreciate from past decades of the best analog technology. The MixDreamXP now allows DAW users to exploit this potential with maximum comfort and uncompromising quality, ensuring that nothing can stand in the way of the engineer`s having the best of both analog and digital worlds. 4 MixDream XP Advantages MixDreamXP Advantages--An Overview · High-grade analog summing on just 1U rack space for amazing signal depth, precise localization and a wonderful stereo imaging · No analog mixing console necessary · No loss of computer automation · Lower DAW processor utilization rates · Latency free monitoring · Surround capable (from up to 3 MixDream XP units) · Channel capacity expandable through linked units · Cost-effective expansion for the MixDream model 2384 Special Features Connection of Sampler, Keyboards etc. Along with DAW audio tracks and effects machines or processors in the insert loops, samplers, keyboards and expanders may also be connected directly to the MixDreamXP. Then the Midi tracks need only be added in the DAW project, the outputs (for example, from a keyboard) are then routed directly to the MixDreamXP. Mono Controls To save converter channels, all channels may be switched to Mono so that two signals can be converted by a paired D/A. In this case such signals are characteristically chosen which would receive a more central placement in the stereo mix (e.g. kick, snare, lead vocal, bass). All channel pairs must otherwise be panned hard left/right in the mix (see ,,mono switches" on page 10). MixDream XP 5 Before You Begin It makes good sense to think about where you place your MixDream XP before connecting it. It should be positioned so that you can easily reach it, but there are other considerations. Try not to place it near heat sources or in direct sunlight, and avoid exposure to excessive vibrations, dust, heat, cold or moisture. It should also be kept away from transformers, motors, power amplifiers and digital processors. IMPORTANT: Adjust the voltage setting on the rear panel so that it corresponds to your local power conditions! Before connecting the MixDream XP or any other equipment turn off all power! 230 V ­ 50 Hz/315 mA 115 V ­ 60 Hz/630 mA VOLTAGE/FUSE · Do not open the case. You may risk electric shock and damage to your equipment. · Leave repairs and maintenance to a qualified service technician. Should foreign objects fall inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or support person. · To avoid electric shock or fire hazards, do not expose your unit to rain or moisture. · In case of lightning, unplug the unit. · Always unplug the cable by pulling on the plug only; never pull on the cable. · Never force a switch or knob. · Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the case. Avoid cleaning agents as they may damage the unit. if necessary, use an acid-free cleaning oil instead. 6 MixDream XP DAW Stereo Mix Summing Tracks Wiring XLR Wiring: 1 = GND/ 2 = (+)/ 3 = (­) IMPORTANT: Voltage Selector, see page 6 Power Connector: see page 16 GND Lift Switch: see page 11 Monitoring 1/2 Expansion -7 -4 0 POWER 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/10 3 11/12 13/14 15/16 MixDream XP Discrete Class A 16 in 2 summing mixer Mono Mono Mono Mono Variable Output -12 Mono 5 Mono -13 Mono Mono Expansion Input dB Output Model 2591 Monitoring outputs for any stereo monitoring chain. Recommended: SPL MTC 2381 Monitoring Controller with Talkback and Cue-Mixing. Connect the Main Outputs of a second MixDream XP to the Expansion Inputs of the first one. IMPORTANT: see page 10 for further information. Rear Panel/Connections Pin wiring of all input and output connectors on page 8. Made in Germany soundperformancelab.com DB25 comply with TASCAM standard 7 -14 MixDream XP 2 x A/D 1 2 9-16 1-8 16 x D/A 2 x XLR to XLR or TRS 2 cascade cables, 8 x XLR or TRS to DB25 each CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN Right Left Right Left WARNING MixD rea m XP SERIAL No. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DISCONNECT MAINS BEFORE REMOVING COVER. THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED. Se rie n n um m e r 230 V ­ 50 Hz/315 mA 115 V ­ 60 Hz/630 mA VOLTAGE/FUSE GND LIFT Main Outputs Monitor Outputs Expansion Inputs Input Channels 9 to 16 Input Channels 1 to 8 7 Rear Panel/Connections General Advice The MixDream XP enclosure is EMC-safe and effectively shielded against HF interference. Nonetheless, you should carefully consider where you place the unit to avoid electrical disturbances. The MixDream XP and all devices to be connected should be turned off before connections are made. Always turn volume down or mute your speakers when disconnecting or repatching audio cables to avoid damage to your speakers and ears. The following graph shows the correct wiring for connecting unbalanced signals to the balanced XLR I/O connectors: Input balanced unbalanced Output balanced unbalanced 2 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 2 1 3 2 1=GND 2=hot (+) 3=cold (-) Input Channels The MixDream XP has 16 electronically balanced inputs that are connected over two DB 25 connectors. Readily configured cascade cables from XLR or 1/4 inch TRS to DB 25 are available in many audio stores. Usually the analog outputs of a D/A converter that transmit the summing tracks from the DAW are connected here. These connectors conform to the Tascam standard with pin layout as pictured below: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 GCHGCHGCHGCHGCH GCH GCH GCH 13 25 1 14 G= GROUND (Masse), C=COLD (-), H=HOT (+) 8 MixDream XP Rear Panel/Connections Main Outputs The Main Outputs provide a stereo mixdown for a recording device through electronically balanced XLR outputs. Here as a rule you will route the stereo mix through an A/D converter for re-recording as a new DAW track. Right Left Main Outputs Monitor Outputs The Monitor Outputs run parallel with the Main Outs and provide for separate monitoring of the stereo mixdown through electronically balanced XLR outputs. TIP: SPL's Monitor & Talkback Controller MTC 2381 offers all necessary control functionality for DAW monitoring at this stage. IMPORTANT: Since Main and Monitor Outs function in parallel, using a non-balanced connection in one results in both outputs being unbalanced. Right Left Monitor Outputs Expansion Inputs This is another stereo input based on electronically balanced XLR connectors. It can be activated with the Expansion Input switch at the right set of switches on the front. Usually the Main Outputs of another MixDreamXP are connected here to enable summing of up to 32 channels, but of course any (stereo) summed signal can be connected here. IMPORTANT: The Expansion Inputs of the summing MixDreamXP must be connected to the Main Output of the second MixDreamXP--never connect both Expansion Inputs! TIP for owners of the MixDream 2384: A MixDreamXP should always be used for Mixdream 2384 expansion. This way you can always make use of the processing stages of the MixDream 2384 for the final stereo mix (Stereo Expander, Limiter, Master Insert, Output Transfo ...