Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product X2
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A L ES I S X2 Reference M a nu a l.
X2 Reference Manual 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis X2 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitor professional mixing console. To take full advantage of the X2’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully.
2 X2 Reference Manual.
Contents X2 Reference Manual 3 C ONTENTS 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................ 7 About the X2 ......................................................................
Contents 4 X2 Reference Manual Interfacing to the Headphone Amp ...................................................................... 28 Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard Effects ................................... 28 Interfacing the Inserts .
Contents X2 Reference Manual 5 MIDI ..................................................................................................................................... 56 MIDI Channel .................................................................
Contents 6 X2 Reference Manual AUX A ASSIGN Switches (Aux A Only) ............................................................. 65 GROUP MASTERS Switch (Aux B Only) ............................................................ 65 L-R Button ...........
Contents X2 Reference Manual 7 Maps 2.0—2.9 ....................................................................................................................... 81 MIDI Implementation Chart ........................................................
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Introduction X2 Reference Manual 9 C HAPTER 1 I NTRODUCTION About the X2 The X2 is an extremely flexible, 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitor professional mixing console.
Introduction 10 X2 Reference Manual in the console (each channel, monitor, effect return, aux send, and group output). It features its own ADAT Synchronization Interface jack, plus MIDI in/out jacks, so that its built-in 10,000-event sequencer can be synchronized directly to the ADAT system or to a MIDI system.
Introduction X2 Reference Manual 11 more) happening simultaneously in order to complete the task of overdubbing. The comprehensive systems and logical layout of the X2 Mixer will make it relatively easy for you to accommodate even the most complex monitoring requirements.
Introduction 12 X2 Reference Manual.
Guided Tour X2 Reference Manual 13 C HAPTER 2: G UIDED T OUR Recorder/Mix Systems The X2 is designed to be extremely flexible, as evidenced by the channel module design. This is where signals are mixed, EQ’d and routed to the Aux sends, Groups and Left and Right Master outs.
Guided Tour 14 X2 Reference Manual input appears at the monitor controls. This is the position normally used for mixdown (with the main channel assigned to L-R) or for bouncing tracks (with the main channel assigned to the appropriate Group or Groups).
Guided Tour X2 Reference Manual 15 Aux Send/Return Systems In the center of each channel module is the Aux Sends section, which allows the signal to be routed to outboard signal processing equipment or to feed a headphone amplifier. The first two sends (Aux 1-2) are Pre-Fader, meaning that the signal level is independent of the channel’s fader.
Guided Tour 16 X2 Reference Manual Control Room Systems A three-frequency oscillator, with adjustable level, allows you to record test tones onto your tapes. Below the Aux Masters section, level controls are available for Studio outputs, Headphone outputs and the Control Room outputs.
Guided Tour X2 Reference Manual 17 This toggles the meters between Tape Sends and Tape Returns. Two Mode LEDs on the meter bridge indicate which mode is selected.
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Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 19 C HAPTER 3: C ONNECTIONS Unpacking and Inspection Your X2 was packed carefully at the factory, and the container was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the X2 for servicing.
Connecting the X2 20 X2 Reference Manual indicate that an outlet is properly grounded. You may use an AC line tester to determine this. If the outlet is not grounded, consult with a licensed electrician. When AC currents are suspected of being highly unstable in VAC and Hz, a professional power conditioner should be used.
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 21 Avoiding Ground Loops In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur.
Connecting the X2 22 X2 Reference Manual Channel Inputs and Outputs Each of the 24 channel modules on the X2 contains an XLR balanced MIC Input connector, a 1/4" TRS balanced LINE Input jack, a 1/4" TRS balanced TAPE IN jack with a +4/-10 level switch, an unbalanced 1/4" TAPE SEND jack, and a TRS 1/4" INSERT jack.
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 23 additional post-effect equalization is required..
Connecting the X2 24 X2 Reference Manual Tape Input The Tape Input is a 1/4" balanced TRS connector which will accept either -10 dBV or +4 dBu, depending on the setting of the +4/-10 switch (see next section). The Tape Input is the normal source of the Monitor path.
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 25 Balanced Tape I/O The BALANCED TAPE I/O is a 56 pin ELCO connector designed to deliver eight channels of balanced +4 dBu tape inputs and outputs, such as that on the Alesis ADAT Digital Multi Track Recorder.
Connecting the X2 26 X2 Reference Manual Stereo Returns and Groups Each of the four Group modules contain two 1/4" GROUP OUT connectors (for a total of eight Group Outs), two TRS 1/4" GROUP INSERT connectors (for a total of eight Group Inserts), and four 1/4" RETURN connectors (for a total of eight Stereo Returns).
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 27 Master Inputs and Outputs The Master Module contains two balanced 1/4" MASTER OUT jacks, two TRS 1/4" MASTER INSERT jacks, two balanced 1/4" CONTROL ROOM output jacks, two 1/4" STUDIO jacks, and two pair of 1/4" jacks that serve as EXTERNAL 1 IN and EXTERNAL 2 IN.
Connecting the X2 28 X2 Reference Manual like reverbs and digital delays..
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 29 Headphones The PHONES connector (found on the front end of the console, directly below the Master faders) is a stereo 1/4" jack which provides a substantial level to drive most headphones. The signal level is controlled by the PHONES knob.
Connecting the X2 30 X2 Reference Manual Examples of Connections The X2 may be easily interfaced with most other professional recording and audio equipment. All inputs and outputs , with the exception of the microphone inputs, use 1/4" jacks. The microphone inputs are standard balanced XLR type jacks.
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 31 Interfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder Interfacing the X2 with a typical multitrack recorder using semiprofessional unbalanced phono or 1/4" phone jacks is a simple process.
Connecting the X2 32 X2 Reference Manual Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Professional recorders typically feature 3-pin XLR connectors on their inputs and outputs. The nominal signal level of these units is +4 dBu (1.23 volts).
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 33 Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay It is also possible to access the multitrack tape recorder by the use of a patchbay, which is several rows of jacks that are permanently connected to both the inputs and the outputs of the X2, the multitrack tape machine, and all of the outboard equipment.
Connecting the X2 34 X2 Reference Manual cables from the phono jack outputs to the 1/4" EXT IN jacks of the X2. • If the mixdown deck has only XLR outputs, make or purchase an adapter from XLR-to-phone plug, with pin 1 connected to the sleeve and either pin 2 or 3 connected to the tip.
Connecting the X2 X2 Reference Manual 35 simultaneously, if desired. Note: If you want to use a separate effect on each channel, use the INSERT jacks, not the Aux Sends (see next section).
Connecting the X2 36 X2 Reference Manual Interfacing the Inserts Insert s are used to connect signal processing devices directly into the signal path of a Channel. Normally, the device connected would be one that shapes the dynamics or tone of a signal (such as a compressor, gate, or EQ), rather than an effects device (such as a reverb).
Applications X2 Reference Manual 37 C HAPTER 4: A PPLICATIONS Recording Setting Levels In order to ensure the cleanest signal with the least amount of background noise (hiss or hum), it is extremely important that proper level setting s be maintained not only within the X2 itself, but throughout the entire audio system.
Applications 38 X2 Reference Manual If several “hot” (loud) Channels are assigned to a Group, it is possible that the Group will overload. Since the internal electronics of the X2 have 18 dB above.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 39 Recording Multiple Sources to One Track When more than one Channel is to be recorded onto the same track of a multitrack tape machine, it is necessary to assign all desired Channels to a Group. When the DIR switch of a channel is up, the TAPE OUT jacks receive the signal from a corresponding Group.
Applications 40 X2 Reference Manual Recording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks (Stereo) Recording multiple sources onto two tape tracks can either be done as two separate Groups or as a stereo mix using two Groups.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 41 Recording Tips For the cleanest possible recording, the Group FADERS (or Channel FADERS if the TAPE SENDS are being used) should be adjusted so that the level going to tape averages 0 VU on the meters of a typical analog multitrack tape machine (or -15 dB on a digital multitrack machine, such as the Alesis ADAT).
Applications 42 X2 Reference Manual Overdubbing Monitoring the Multitrack on the Monitor Faders Once you have recorded onto the multitrack tape machine, you will want to listen back to those tracks, e.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 43 previous section..
Applications 44 X2 Reference Manual Getting the Mix to the Headphones Once you have the tape tracks returning to the mixer, it is simple to create a cue mix for the musicians to listen to over headphones while overdubbing .
Applications X2 Reference Manual 45 Adding Effects Effects such as reverb, chorus and delay are typically wired in a loop from an Auxiliary Send to a Stereo Aux Return (see Chapter 3, “Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard Effects”).
Applications 46 X2 Reference Manual 4 Raise the input control of the effects device until its meter or clip LED shows peak level, then lower the input control a bit.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 47 To make sure you’re hearing what’s actually going to tape, make sure the L-R switch is up, and follow the procedure earlier in this section under “Recording Multiple Sources.” If the effect is stereo, it must be recorded onto two tracks.
Applications 48 X2 Reference Manual REVERSE button so it is down. This sends the tape tracks to the Channel (long) FADERS. 2 Assign the Channels to Groups 5 and 6 by pressing the 5-6 button next to the long fader. 3 Make sure Channel 5’s DIR switch is in the UP position.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 49 tape deck’s left and right inputs. For more information on interfacing the X2 with a mixdown deck, see page 27. Assign all Channels, Monitors, Stereo Aux Returns and Groups being used to the L- R MASTER FADERS, by making sure the L-R buttons for each is down.
Applications 50 X2 Reference Manual 7 Raise the Toms Channel FADERS. Set them so that the LED meter indicates “0.” Mute the Toms Channels. 8 Bring up the Bass Guitar Channel FADER so that the LED meter reads “-6.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 51 or MIDI Clock. This can either come from a synchronization processor (one that can translate SMPTE or VITC timecode into MTC) or from a MIDI sequencer. Alternatively, you can also use the MIDI sequencer to record mutes from the X2’s console, thereby bypassing the X2’s built-in sequencer.
Applications 52 X2 Reference Manual Live Performance Creating a Monitor Mix Most sound reinforcement applications work best in mono, since so few members of the audience are seated in the ideal spot to hear the balance of a stereo sound system effectively.
Applications X2 Reference Manual 53 “On” (down) position, and assign Group 2 to the Right Master FADER by switching the ASSIGN RIGHT to its “On” (down) position. The Group 1 and 2 FADERS will now control the selected Channels, and the combined signal will appear at the Master FADERS along with the other Channels/Groups.
Applications 54 X2 Reference Manual.
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 55 C HAPTER 5: M UTE A UTOMATION Overview Because muting channels can be as much a part of the creative aspect of music as composing the song itself, the X2 comes with a built-in sequencer that lets you automate this task.
Mute Automation 56 X2 Reference Manual and have them playback. This is done by choosing one of the many built-in MIDI maps the X2 provides, which determines how the mute events will be transmitted (using note-on messages, controller data or as System Exclusive).
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 57 Mute Groups allow you to mute as many channels as you want with a single button press. Each of the 100 songs contains 4 Mute Groups . Mute Groups are ideal when you want to mute a group of channels that relate together.
Mute Automation 58 X2 Reference Manual Defining Mute Groups The DEFINE buttons allows you to define a Mute Group of channels. Defined Mute Groups are stored into the currently selected song. Make sure you have the desired song selected before defining a Mute Group.
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 59 Recalling Mute Groups To recall a Mute Group: 1 Select a Song (00—99) by pressing the DISPLAY button until the SONG LED above it is lit, and then using the INC/DEC buttons to change the Song number. 2 Press one of the MUTE GROUP buttons (1—4).
Mute Automation 60 X2 Reference Manual Display Mode The two-digit LED display has four modes: Song, Sync, Channel, and Map. The mode is selected by pressing the DISPLAY button. Each time DISPLAY is pressed, the X2 will cycle through the four modes, as indicated by the four LEDs directly above the display.
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 61 events into the current Song. The ONLINE button must be turned on in order for the UPDATE button to function. Mute Events Recording and Playing Back Mute Events The UPDATE button should be thought of as a mute record button.
Mute Automation 62 X2 Reference Manual Anytime you wish to add more mute events to a Song, simply select the song, put the X2 Online, play the tape and press UPDATE. New mute events will be added to the original ones. Be sure to turn UPDATE off when you’re done, to avoid recording unwanted mute events.
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 63 Editing Songs Erasing The X2’s Mute Automation provides several editing tools. The ERASE FWD button lets you remove all mute events on any channel from a particular time event to the end of the Song.
Mute Automation 64 X2 Reference Manual 4 Press UPDATE to execute the erase, or press UNDO to abort erase mode. All mute events on this channel from the current tape position to the beginning of the song (the first mute event recorded) will be deleted.
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 65 The display will temporarily read “rS” (reset). 4 Release all three buttons. Copying Copy Mute Events The X2 allows you to copy all mute events for a single channel within a Song to any other channel. This copy function merges copied data with whatever events were already on the destination channel.
Mute Automation 66 X2 Reference Manual MIDI When you want to use an external MIDI sequencer to provide mute automation, instead of the X2’s internal sequencer, you must select a MIDI channel and choose a MIDI Map.
Mute Automation X2 Reference Manual 67 MIDI Map The MIDI Map determines what MIDI messages will be used for each Mute and Mute Group when using an external MIDI sequencer to automate the X2. There are several maps to choose from, each designed for use with specific sequencers.
Mute Automation 68 X2 Reference Manual Memory Backup All contents of the Mute Automation’s memory (including 100 Songs, all mute events and 400 Mute Groups) can be transmit ted (or dumped) to an external MIDI storage device by using System Exclusive messages.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 69 C HAPTER 6: D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS Input Channel Controls +48 V Switch When pressed, the +48 V switch applies phantom power to the XLR microphone jack for that channel. 48 volts DC appears equally on pins 2 and 3 to be used by condenser-type microphones requiring external power.
Description of Controls 70 X2 Reference Manual FADERS will get signal from the Line inputs, and the short Monitor FADERS will get the Tape Returns, the typical patch for recording & overdubbing.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 71 EQ IN Switch This inserts the equalizer controls into the channel signal path. When down, the EQ is in the signal path. This switch has no effect on the HPF control (see above), or on the HI and LO EQ if the TO MON switch is down.
Description of Controls 72 X2 Reference Manual 7/8 Switch (Aux 5/6) This switch functions identically as the 7/8 switch found between Aux 3/7 and 4/8, but is used to assign the AUX 5/7 and 6/8 knobs (refer to previous section).
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 73 Channel PAN The PAN sends the output of the Channel in continuously variable degrees to either side of the stereo mix (if L-R switch is pressed -- see below), or to odd-even sides of the Group Assignment switches (pan left for Groups 1, 3, 5 and 7; pan right for Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8).
Description of Controls 74 X2 Reference Manual Note that even if the 1-2 button is pressed, no signal will go from the channel to Group 1 if the Channel PAN knob is turned hard right. Channel L-R Button The L-R button routes the channel ’s signal to the Master L-R FADERS, depending on the setting of the Channel PAN knob.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 75 inputs will be applied to the Aux Return ASSIGN switches and the STEREO SEPARATION and BALANCE controls see below). Hi and Lo EQ These provide standard shelving controls. The HI knob range is +/- 15 dB at a fixed frequency of 12 kHz.
Description of Controls 76 X2 Reference Manual The GROUP MASTERS switch routes the Aux Return’s signal to the pair of Group FADERS directly below the Aux Return ( example: pressing the GROUP MASTERS switch on Aux B of the first Group module would route that signal to Groups 1 and 2.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 77 MUTE Buttons The MUTE buttons disconnects the Group ’s signal from the Master outputs, the GROUP OUT jacks and the TAPE OUT jacks. When pressed, the MUTE button’s LED will light. This can be controlled via the Dynamic Mute Automation system, which gives it other functions as well (see Chapter 5).
Description of Controls 78 X2 Reference Manual Master Controls Oscillator Frequency and Level The built-in Oscillator provides reference tone with a variable output level. The two switches are used together to determine the Oscillator’s frequency between 10 kHz, 1 kHz, 100 Hz and OFF.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 79 both). If the STUDIO switch is down, the Talkback signal is routed to the Studio outputs. Phones This controls the output level of the Headphone output (located at the front end of the console). This headphone mix follows whatever is chosen as the Control Room source (see below).
Description of Controls 80 X2 Reference Manual and Tape Return mode. Two Mode LEDs on the meter bridge indicate which mode is selected..
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 81 Mute Automation Controls DISPLAY The DISPLAY button is used to cycle the 2-digit LED display through a cycle of four display modes: Song , Sync , Channel and Map . Each time the DISPLAY button is pressed, the display will advance to the next display mode.
Description of Controls 82 X2 Reference Manual MUTE GROUPS (1—4) The MUTE GROUPS buttons (1—4) are used to recall a group of mutes on various channels at the touch of a button. Four Mute Groups are available in each Song, giving you 400 Mute Groups altogether.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 83 When OVERLAY is turned on (its LED lit), Mute Groups can be recalled “on top of one another” instead of canceling each other out. This is handy when you want to independently yet simultaneously control the enabling of multiple groups of channel mutes.
Description of Controls 84 X2 Reference Manual COPY The COPY button makes it possible to copy the mute events recorded for one channel and have them affect any number of other channels.
Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual 85 Erasing Memory To erase all memory including the mute events in all 100 Songs and their 400 Mute Groups, hold ALT (ALL) and press ERASE FWD and DEC simultaneously. This function is not reversible. SYS EX By holding ALT and pressing UPDATE (SYS EX ), all memory is dumped out the MIDI OUT port.
Description of Controls 86 X2 Reference Manual.
Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual 87 C HAPTER 7: T ROUBLE -S HOOTING Trouble-Shooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the X2, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance.
Trouble-Shooting 88 X2 Reference Manual Maintenance/Service Cleaning and Maintenance Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the console’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik.
Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual 89 damage caused by inadequate packing is not covered by the Alesis warranty. Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem, include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary, as well as instructions on where you want the product returned.
Trouble-Shooting 90 X2 Reference Manual.
MIDI Maps Index X2 Reference Manual 91 MIDI M APS I NDEX Maps 1.1—1.3 These maps are very similar in that they all use MIDI note numbers to transmit and recognize mute events. In the case of map 1.1, a high-velocity note-on message is sent when a channel is muted, and a low-velocity note-on message is sent when unmuted.
MIDI Maps Index 92 X2 Reference Manual Map 1.4 This map uses controllers, instead of note numbers, to transmit and recognize mute events. Mute MIDI Controller Number Channel 1 Monitor 2 Channel 1 Fade.
MIDI Maps Index X2 Reference Manual 93 Maps 2.0—2.9 These maps are virtually identical in that they transmit “snapshots” of the mute status of the entire console. Each mute event is represented by a different System- Exclusive message. The only difference between these maps is how often the “snapshots” are transmitted.
MIDI Implementation Chart 94 X2 Reference Manual MIDI I MPLEMENTATION C HART Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1 — 16 * * * * * * * * 1 — 16 Mode Default Messag.
Specifications X2 Reference Manual 95 S PECIFICATIONS All measurements taken with an Audio Precision System One. All noise measurements taken with trim at minimum and faders at unity gain with 22 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth unless otherwise specified. All Tape In & Out measurements made on balanced +4 dBu connectors.
Specifications 96 X2 Reference Manual MIC Nominal Input Level -56 dBu to -8 dBu LINE Nominal Input Level -44 dBu to +4 dBu TAPE Nominal Input Level +4 dBu / -10 dBV Switchable Maximum Gain: MIC to L/R Master Out 70 dB MIC to L/R Group Out 70 dB MIC to Aux Sends 68 dB Power Supply: X2 Maximum Power 210 Watts U.
Specifications X2 Reference Manual 97 Rear Panel: Balanced I/O 56-pin (3) Mic Inputs XLR (24) Balanced Line Inputs 1/4" TRS (24) Mono Aux Sends 1/4" (8) Channel Inserts 1/4" TRS (24) Mo.
Specifications 98 X2 Reference Manual I NTERNAL C ONNECTOR P INOUTS.
Specifications X2 Reference Manual 99 B LOCK D IAGRAM Note: An 11"x17" version of this drawing is included with the manual. Master Group Master Channel Module Module Module.
Index 100 X2 User’s Manual I NDEX +4/-10 Switch 19 ADAT 23, 27, 71 Adding Effects 38 AFL 64 ALL 70 ALT 70 Copy Song 72 Erase Song 72 METER BRIDGE 35, 68 SOLO 73 SYS EX 73 ASSIGN LEFT 66 ASSIGN RIGHT.
Index X2 User’s Manual 101 monitor 62 Level Aux Return 64 setting 31 lock 47 Map 57, 69 Master FADERS 68 INSERTS 22 Oscillator 67 Memory Remaining 72 meter bridge 35, 68 MIC/LINE GAIN 11, 31, 59 MID.
Index 102 X2 Reference Manual Assignment 67 level 67 swap 55 Sync 69 SYS EX 58, 73 receive 58 transmit 58 Talkback 67 UNDO 52, 71 UPDATE 52, 71.
An important point after buying a device X2 X2 (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought X2 X2 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data X2 X2 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, X2 X2 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get X2 X2 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of X2 X2, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime X2 X2.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with X2 X2. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device X2 X2 along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
