Yamaha MW12CX Owners Manual - Page 8

Mixer Basics Quick Guide 3 Connecting Microphones and/or Instruments. For details on making connections refer to the "Setup" section on page 15 and the "Front & Rear Panels" section on page 16. Be sure to turn the MW mixer PHANTOM switch on when using phantom-powered condenser microphones. DI Although electric guitars and basses can be connected directly to the mixer's inputs, the sound is likely to be thin and possibly noisy. For best results with these types of instruments use a DI box (direct box) or amp simulator between the instrument and the mixer. USB cable 3 Step Powering Up the System To prevent loud pops and noises, turn on the power to your sound gear starting with the sources (instruments, CD players, etc.) and ending with the power amplifier or powered speakers. Example : Instruments, microphones, and CD players first, then the mixer, and finally the power amplifier or powered speakers. CAUTION Observe the following precautions when turning on phantom power. • Make sure that the PHANTOM switch is off when phantom power is not needed. • When turning the switch on, be sure that only condenser microphones are connected to the XLR input jacks. Other devices may be damaged if connected to phantom power. This precaution does not apply to balanced dynamic microphones, however, as these will not be affected by phantom power. • To minimize the possibility of speaker damage, turn phantom power on ONLY while your power amplifier or powered speakers are switched off. It's also a good idea to turn the mixer's output controls-STEREO OUT Master fader and REC OUT fader-all the way down. NOTE • We recommend that you set the computer output to the maximum level and mute the computer's internal speaker. For details on how to make the setting refer to the "The recorded sound is too low in level." in the "Troubleshooting" on page 22. • The first time you connect to the computer's USB connector, or change the connection to a different USB port, a driver installation display may appear after turning the power to the MW mixer on. If this occurs, wait until the installation is complete before proceeding. Balanced Cables and Unbalanced Cables Two types of cables can be used to connect microphones, electronic instruments, and other audio sources to the mixer's inputs, as well as to connect the mixer's outputs to a power amplifier or related gear: balanced or unbalanced. Balanced cables are highly resistant to noise, and are the best choice for low-level signals such as the output from microphones, as well as for long cable runs. Unbalanced cables are generally used for short runs from line-level sources such as synthesizers. Cable Guidelines Microphone cable Short line-level cables Long line-level cables Balanced is best. Unbalanced cable is fine in a relatively noise-free environment. Balanced is best. Connector Types XLR Connectors This 3-pin connector is resistant to externally induced noise, and is used primarily for balanced connections. With properly designed receiving circuitry cables with this type of connector can also be used for unbalanced signals. XLR type connectors are the standard for microphone connections as well as most professional audio gear. Phone Connectors Phone connectors are available in mono and stereo versions. Stereo types are also known as "TRS" connectors (Tip-Ring-Sleeve), and are used for stereo headphone jacks, insert jacks, and also to carry balanced signals in many cases. Unbalanced types are used for mono signals -guitar cables are a common example. RCA Pin Connectors This type of unbalanced connector is most commonly found on home audio and video equipment. RCA type pin jacks are often color coded: white for left audio channel and red for right audio channel, for example. 8 MW12CX/MW12C Owner's Manual