Sound Performance Lab Stereo Equalizer Model 2591 User Manual

Manual  
POWER  
1/2  
Mono  
3/4  
Mono  
5/6  
Mono  
7/8  
Mono  
9/10  
Mono  
11/12  
Mono  
13/14  
Mono  
15/16  
Mono  
Variable  
Output  
Expansion  
Input  
MixDreamXP  
Discrete Class  
A
16 in  
2
summing mixer  
dB  
Model  
2591  
Output  
MixDream XP  
Model 2591  
Analog 16:2 summing unit  
 
Contents  
Introduction ....................................................................  
4
Analog vs. Digital Summing ............................................  
4
Advantages And Special Features ...................................  
MixDreamXP Advantages—An Overview .........................  
Connection of Samplers, Keyboards etc. .........................  
Mono Switches ................................................................  
5
5
5
5
Before You Begin ............................................................  
6
Rear Panel/Connections .................................................  
Wiring .............................................................................  
General advices ..............................................................  
Input Channels ................................................................  
Main Outputs ......................................................................  
Monitor Outputs .............................................................  
7
7
8
9
9
9
Control Elements ............................................................ 10  
Output Control ................................................................ 10  
Variable Output Switch ................................................... 10  
Mono Switch ................................................................... 10  
Expansion Input Switch ................................................... 10  
GND-Lift Switch ............................................................... 11  
Applications and Modes of Operation ............................. 11  
Summing ........................................................................ 11  
Summing of Subgroups ................................................... 11  
MixDream XP in Mastering Applications ........................... 12  
Linking Several MixDreamXP ........................................... 12  
Linking Several MixDreamXP/Diagram ............................ 13  
Block Diagram ................................................................. 14  
Measurements ................................................................ 15  
Power Supply .................................................................. 16  
Specifications, Dimensions and Weight ........................... 17  
Warranty ......................................................................... 18  
MixDreamXP  
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 engi-  
neer 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 effec-  
tive 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 -97dBu and a dynamic range of 125dB. 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 local-  
ization and a wonderful stereo imaging. Moreover, the addition  
of individual instruments results in soft and pleasant transi-  
tions.  
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
MixDreamXP  
 
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 MixDreamXP 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 proces-  
sors 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).  
MixDreamXP  
5
 
Before You Begin  
It makes good sense to think about where you place your  
MixDreamXP 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 MixDreamXP 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 techni-  
cian. 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
MixDreamXP  
 
Rear Panel/Connections  
Wiring  
M a d e i n G e r m a n y  
d
A M S s C A t T a n d a r  
D B 2 5 c o m p l y w i t h  
: 1 = i G r i N W n g D / X 2 L = R ( + ) / 3 = ( – )  
MixDreamXP  
7
 
Rear Panel/Connections  
General Advice  
The MixDreamXP enclosure is EMC-safe and effectively shielded  
againstHFinterference.Nonetheless,youshouldcarefullyconsider  
where you place the unit to avoid electrical disturbances.  
The MixDreamXP 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  
Output  
balanced  
unbalanced  
balanced  
unbalanced  
2
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
1=GND  
2=hot (+)  
3=cold (-)  
Input Channels  
The MixDreamXP has 16 electronically balanced inputs that  
are connected over two DB25 connectors. Readily configured  
cascade cables from XLR or 1/4 inch TRS to DB25 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
GCHGCHGCHGCHGCHGCHGCHGCH  
13  
25  
G= GROUND (Masse), C=COLD (-), H=HOT (+)  
1
14  
8
MixDreamXP  
 
Rear Panel/Connections  
Right  
Left  
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.  
Main Outputs  
Right  
Left  
Monitor Outputs  
The Monitor Outputs run parallel with the Main Outs and provide  
for separate monitoring of the stereo mixdown through elec-  
tronically balanced XLR outputs.  
Monitor 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.  
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.  
Expansion Inputs  
IMPORTANT:TheExpansionInputsofthesummingMixDreamXP  
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 Transformers).  
MixDreamXP  
9
 
Control Elements  
Output Control  
The Output control regulates the MixDreamXP output level (at  
the Main Outs). Its range extends from -14dB to +7dB. With  
this Output Control final levels can be ajdusted to accommo-  
date subsequent A/D converters. Because the Main Outputs  
and Monitor Outputs run in parallel, both outputs are regulated  
globally via this control.  
dB  
Output  
Variable Output Switch  
Variable  
Output  
The Output Control is activated by the Variable Output switch  
situated among the front-left group of switches. When this  
Variable Output switch is deactivated, the Input Level remains  
unaltered (Unity Gain).  
Mono Switches  
1/2  
Mono  
3/4  
Mono  
All MixDreamXP channel pairs (1/2 through 15/16) are by default  
panned hard left/right. This configuration is the only sensible  
way in which each signal contributing to the stereo sound  
canvas can retain its placement and automated characteristics.  
However, for mono signals (such as kick, snares, lead vocals  
or bass that should appear in the middle of a mix), it would  
be a waste to use (in hard L/R panned channels) what would  
amount to two required converters for a mono result. In such  
cases, each channel pair can be switched to mono mode (red  
status LED), so that, for example, there might be a (mono) kick  
on channel 1, snare on channel 2 and bass on channel 3, etc.  
IMPORTANT: Panning for such instruments in the sequencing  
program should place the kick hard left, the snare hard on the  
right, and so on.  
Expansion  
Expansion  
Input  
The Expansion Inputs provide an additional XLR stereo input  
(see page 9 for details) and can be activated by the Expansion  
Inputs Switch in the front-right group of switches. Typically this  
stereo input would provide for linking with another MixDreamXP  
unit.  
10  
MixDreamXP  
 
Control Elements  
GND Lift Switch (Rear Panel)  
The GND Lift switch separates internal ground from chassis  
ground. The switch can be activated to eliminate ground loop  
humming which may occur if the MixDreamXP is connected  
to units with a different ground potential. The switch should  
normally be in the GND position to maintain the shielding effect  
of the metal housing.  
GND LIFT  
Applications and Modes of Operation  
Summing  
Tracks destined for analog summing are routed from the DAW  
to the MixDreamXP via A/D converters. Identical converters are  
ideal to exclude level and sound differences.  
Although you may often wish to sum more than 16 tracks, a  
general recommendation to reduce track numbers is to route  
those tracks to a common output bus of the sequencing program  
which are not played back simultaneously in your arrangement.  
This way you avoid digital summing and your production bene-  
fits from the full potential of 100% analog summing.  
With mono signals one should switch these to mono mode  
to confine them to single D/A converter, thereby avoiding the  
waste of having to use a D/A pair for one mono track (see „Mono  
Switches“ on page 10). IMPORTANT: In the DAW such signals  
must be panned hard left or right.  
Summing of Subgroups  
To reduce track numbers, there are two other options besides  
the above mentioned „Summing“ tip:  
Well, you could buy additional MixDreamXP (which we confess  
would make us happy—and we‘re sure would not disappoint  
you) or sum your grouped tracks with the MixDreamXP itself.  
For example, if you‘ve done a chorus backup in 16 solo tracks,  
you can adjust your panning in the DAW and the MixDreamXP  
sums a stereo mix which is recorded again—the sound benefits  
of analog summing are larger than the disadvantage of a further  
A/D-D/A conversion.  
MixDreamXP  
11  
 
Applications and Modes of Operation  
MixDream XP in Mastering Applications  
Your MixDreamXP is predestined for mastering applications, as  
we‘ve planned its superior sound quality for just such occa-  
sions.  
Two applications areespeciallyinteresting:1)discreteMastering,  
and 2) upsampling to SACD/DVD-A formats.  
1) Normally a studio mastering engineer requires that a stereo  
file be made available for his or her work. But in such a mixdown,  
any problems (for example, significant variations in volume  
among instrumental subgroups) will mean equally significant  
limitations to your final mastering options. Instead, however, if  
one masters from a discrete mix with single tracks or subgroups,  
each of these can be adjusted just as easily and quickly in the  
mastering process—to the extent that even individual groups  
can be tweaked with different processing. Your final result is  
clearly better and the time needed, minimal—especially since it  
is less likely that a new mix will be called for.  
2) Multichannel sessions can be summed in the infinite reso-  
lution of analog signal processing equipment, something that  
may also be of special importance when an engineer wishes to  
upsample to SACD or DVD-A.  
Linking Several MixDreamXP  
An expansion connector provides for a second MixDreamXP  
input should 16 channels not suffice. IMPORTANT: The Main  
Outputs of the second MixDreamXP must be connected to  
the Expansion Inputs of the first unit; do not connect both  
Expansion Inputs.  
If more than two MixDreamXP are to be summed, we recom-  
mend to employ a further MixDreamXP as master—otherwise  
the signals from the first MixDreamXP (to cite a “worst case  
scenario“) would unnecessarily be summed in each following  
unit.  
In such a chain One MixDreamXP is connected to the Expansion  
Inputs while all other units are connected to the usual (DB25)  
Input Channels (see graphic on the next page).  
12  
MixDreamXP  
 
Linking Several MixDreamXP  
M a d e i n G e r m a n y  
d
A M S s C A t T a n d a r  
D B 2 5 c o m p l y w i t h  
: 1 = i G r i N W n g D / X 2 L = R ( + ) / 3 = ( – )  
13  
 
Block Diagram  
14  
 
Measurements  
Frequency Response,FFT Spectrum Analysis  
Audio Precision  
Frequency Response  
2591 MixDream XP  
05/09/05 14:48:13  
ExpansionInput,FixOutput  
+10  
+9  
+8  
+7  
+6  
+5  
+4  
+3  
+2  
Well, we think this is „linear  
frequency response“ in the  
word‘sbestpossiblesense:  
even at 200kHz the fall-off  
is below -1dB.  
+1  
d
B
-0  
-1  
-2  
-3  
-4  
-5  
-6  
-7  
-8  
-9  
r
And mind you, typical  
frequencyresponsemeasu-  
rements are related to a  
-3dB fall-off.  
A
-10  
20  
50  
100  
200  
500  
1k  
2k  
Hz  
5k  
10k  
20k  
50k  
100k  
200k  
A-A FREQ RESP 20Hz-200kHz.at2c  
Audio Precision  
FFT Spectrum Analysis  
2591 MixDream XP  
05/09/05 14:41:38  
ExpansionInput Noise Spectrum  
+20  
+10  
+0  
The FFT Spectrum Analysis  
above shows the spectrum  
of noise components. We  
have a very low overall level  
here, in particular without  
ugly „spikes“.  
-10  
-20  
-30  
-40  
-50  
-60  
d
B
u
-70  
-80  
-90  
-100  
-110  
-120  
-130  
-140  
The analysis below shows  
distortion components at  
an input level of +10dBu.  
There is no distortion  
-150  
20  
50  
100  
200  
500  
1k  
2k  
5k  
10k  
20k  
Hz  
A-A FFT Noise .at2c  
present  
above  
the  
MixDreamXP‘s  
outstan-  
Audio Precision  
FFT Spectrum Analysis  
2591 MixDream XP  
05/09/05 14:46:52  
ding, low (THD+N = -103dB)  
noise level.  
Expansion Input, Fix Output Input Level:+10dBu  
+20  
+10  
+0  
-10  
-20  
-30  
-40  
-50  
-60  
d
B
u
-70  
-80  
-90  
-100  
-110  
-120  
-130  
-140  
-150  
2k  
4k  
6k  
8k  
10k  
Hz  
12k  
14k  
16k  
18k  
20k  
A-A FFT .at2c  
MixDreamXP  
15  
 
Power Supply  
No effort or expense was spared here. We don’t know of anyone  
who makes good coffee with great beans and bad water, and we  
don’t know of anyone who makes great sounding audio equip-  
ment with mediocre power supplies. The best parts cannot give  
you a sound without dependable power.  
The MixDreamXP is equipped with an internal power supply.  
Two +/-15VA transformers are capable of providing adequate  
current regardless of any demands you can put on it, even when  
running the MixDreamXP pedal to the metal.  
The MixDreamXP power transformer is also heavily shielded to  
minimize hum. The +/-30V (=60V rail) power is derived from  
high quality linear regulators whose noise level borders on  
the immeasurable. Extremely fast rectifier diodes and 14.000  
microFarrad capacitors insure that there is enough available  
current at all times and for every imaginable peak. Additional  
100nF/250V MKP stabilizing condensers are present to insure  
further that any conceivable peak loads will not affect your mix.  
Power connection must be provided by the included standard  
IEC three-pole (computer) cable. The power chain (cable connec-  
tions and transformer) conforms to appropriate VDE, UL and  
CSA standards. Fuses are rated at 315mA for 230V and 630 mA  
at 115V operation.  
16  
MixDreamXP  
 
Specifications  
Frequency range:  
1Hz-200kHz (-1 dB)  
-103dBu  
THD+N:  
20-22kHz, Input Level +10dBu  
Noise Level:  
-97dBu  
20-22kHz, A-weighted  
Max. Input Level:  
+28dBu  
+28dBu  
Max. Output Level:  
@ 1kHz, THD+N -95dB  
Dynamic range:  
20-22kHz, A-weighted  
125dB  
-90dB  
70dB  
Crosstalk L-R:  
@ 1kHz, Input Level +10dBu  
CMRR:  
@ 1kHz, Input Level +10dBu  
Input Impedance:  
Output Impedance:  
Power Consumption:  
10kOhm  
65Ohm  
36W  
Dimensions and Weight  
Standard EIA 19 inch Housing, 1U  
Dimensions (W x H x D):  
482 x 44 x 237mm  
ca. 19 x 1.76 x 9.5 inch  
Weight:  
3,55kg/7.81 lb  
MixDreamXP  
17  
 
Guarantee  
SPL products are guaranteed for a period of one year against  
faults in materials or workmanship. Refer to your local supplier  
for full sales and guarantee terms.  
18  
MixDreamXP  
 

Sharp Projector XR 40X User Manual
Singer Sewing Machine 110W117 User Manual
Socket Mobile Network Card Digital Phone Card for Data Capable Mobile Phone User Manual
Sony Camcorder PC120BT User Manual
Sony DVD Recorder DRU 710A User Manual
Sony Speaker System 4431775122 User Manual
Sony Video Game Console SCPH 77001CB User Manual
Spirit Exercise Bike XR895 User Manual
Sunbeam Bread Maker PM040 User Manual
SVAT Electronics Security Camera CV1002 User Manual