Carvin FX44 Instruction Manual - Page 29

FX44 Mixer Setting Up a Sound System Section 5 SETTING UP YOUR SOUND SYSTEM In this section you will be given a brief overview of what connections you will need to make in hooking up a sound system using your mixing console. You will shown some of the different setups possible, and given some basics on how to mix live sound. Finally we will offer you some suggestions for hooking up recording equipment and its proper operation. You should find this section both informative as well as enlightening, and we hope you will find this information a "head start" in operating your sound system properly. As always, experimentation is the key to success. Remember, after you have been given the basics and you understand all the controls, how you use them will ultimately expand your creativity as a sound system operator. 1) Input Connections From the Stage For live sound reinforcement ("PA" Sound), the input signals to the mixer will come from the microphones and instruments on stage. Each microphone or instrument you wish to be amplified by the "PA" system must be connected to one of the mixing console inputs. It is preferred to have as many of the stage instruments as possible plugged into your mixing console. This allows you the best overall volume control of each of the instruments as they are amplified by the "PA" system and heard by the audience. Many times the mixing console will be located a distance from the stage. This allows the performance to be monitored and mixed from the audience's perspective. Monitoring at a distance from the stage usually means employing a "Snake" cable (available trom CARVIN). Each of the microphones and instruments are plugged into the snake box at the stage and the snake cable carries all these signals out to the mixer. There they are plugged into the console inputs. All snake cables are numbered, both on the snake box and the cable, so that you can keep track of which microphones are being plugged into which channels. It is a good idea at this point to label each of the console channels according to what instruments it will be controlling. This can be done with masking tape (Scotch brand #230 drafting tape) or another suitable 'light' stick tape. The tape will give you a surface to write on, to properly label the channels. You will notice that all snake cables utilize 3-pin XLR type connectors. Therefore, all your instrument and microphone inputs will have to be this type. The (XLR) balanced low impedance format will ensure you the best possible performance and lowest possible noise when operating with long cable lengths, such as a snake. However, many times you may have a single ended output (1/4 inch phone plug type) from an instrument that you may need to plug into the snake or directly into the "LINE" input of your console. This can be accomplished by a high to low impedance adapter (available from Radio Shack or other electronics outlets). Due to the versatile capabilities of the Bi-polar differential input circuitry in the FX-44 series consoles, you may special wire a cable to have an XLR type connector at one end and a 1/4 inch phone plug at the other. Connect pin #3 of the XLR jack to the tip pin of the 1/4 inch phone plug. XLR pin #1 connects to the shield or ground of the 1/4 inch phone plug and XLR pin #2 is not utilized. Before performing any of these types of special connections, we recommended that you first consult the manufacturer of the instrument or device you will be making this special connection to. Ask if the device will perform property with the modifications you have in mind. If you are at all in doubt, we recommend using a high to low impedance adapter (as mentioned before) or a "Direct box. Once you have connected all the input cables to your console, properly label the channels. Verify that all the connections are good and that all mics are connected properly. The next step is connecting your main amplifiers and speakers. 5-1