American Audio Mixer QD5 User Manual
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Q-D5 ™ Professional Preamp Mixer American Audio 4295 Charter Street Los Angeles Ca. 90058 www.AmericanAudio.us Revised 4/05
Introduction: Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio ® Q-D5™ mixer. This mixer is a rep- resentation of American Audio’s continuing commitment to produce the best and highest quality audio products possible at an affordable price. The Q-D5™ comes with a 2 year limited warranty! Please read and understand this manual completely before attempting to operate your new mixer. This book - let contains important information concerning the proper and safe operation of your new mixer. Customer Support: American Audio ® provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help and to answer any question should you encounter problems during your initial set up or operation. You may also visit us on the web at www.AmericanAudio.us for any comments or suggestions. Service Hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Voice: (800) 322-6337 Fax: (323) 582-2610 E-mail: [email protected] To purchase parts online visit http://parts.americandj.com Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside this mixer. Do not attempt any repairs yourself, doing so will void your manufactures warranty. In the unlikely event your mixer may require service, please contact American Audio® customer support. Do not discard the packing carton in the trash. Please recycle when ever possible. Q-D5™ Introduction Q-D5™ Unpacking Every Q-D5™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Care- fully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your mixer for any damage and be sure all equipment nec - essary to operate the mixer has arrived intact. In case damage has been found or parts are missing, please contact our toll free customer support number for further instructions, please do not return the mixer to your dealer. ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 2 Please make any connections before you plug the mixer in. Be sure the Power switch is in the OFF position before connecting other devices to the mixer. All fader and volume controls should be set to 0 or minimum position, before the device is switched on. If the device has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not switch on the mixer immediately. The arising condensation of water might damage your device. Leave the device switched off until it has reached room temperature. Operating Determinations: • When installing this mixer, please make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat, moisture or dust! • There should not be any cables lying around. Doing so endangers you as well as others. • Do not operate the mixer in extremely hot (more than 30° / 100°F) or extremely cold (less than 5°C/ 40°F) surroundings. • Keep the unit out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. • Operate the mixer only after becoming familiar with its functions. Do not permit operation by persons not qualified for operating the mixer. Most damages are the result of unprofessional operation! Q-D5™ Set-Up Precautions
• For adult use only - Keep out of the reach of children.
• Be sure that the local power outlet match that of the required voltage of the unit.
• Disconnect
from main power before making any type of connection.
• Do not attempt any service. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
• Never plug this mixer in to a dimmer pack
• Always be sure to mount this mixer in an area that will allow proper ventilation.
• Do
not attempt to operate this mixer, if it becomes damaged in any way.
• Never operate this mixer when it’s covers are removed
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this mixer rain or moisture
• This mixer is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.
• During long periods of non-use, disconnect the mixer’s main power.
• Always mount this mixer in safe and stable matter.
• Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the mixer.
• Cleaning -The mixer should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Heat -The mixer should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other mixers (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Be sure to save the packing carton in case you may ever have to return the mixer for service.
• Read all documentation before attempting to operate your new mixer. Please save all your docu-
mentation for future reference.
• Do not spill water or other liquids in to or on to your mixer.
• Do not attempt to operate this mixer if the power cord has been frayed or broken. Please route
your power cord out of the way of foot traffic .
• Always have the front gain controls set to their lowest level during initial power-up to prevent
speaker damage.
• The mixer should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the mixer.
B. The mixer has been exposed to rain or water.
C. The mixer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance.
Q-D5™ Safety Precautions
Q-D5™ Main Features
• Optical Fader for Q-Start Control
• Adjustable Crossfader Curve - for crabbing
• Selectable Voltage 115v~230v
• 2 Phono/2 Aux, 2 Line Inputs
• Fader “Q” Start
• Q-Start Compatible (for use with compatible
American Audio CD Players )
• -30dB Rotary Kills for Treble, Bass and
Mids on both channels
• 100% Push Button Kills
• High output to headphones
• Replacable/Adjustable Transformer Switches
• Adjustable Channel Fader Curve
©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 3
• Soft-touch rubber knobs for better control
• Extremely clean signal to noise ratio
• Light Control Signal Output Jack
• Talk Over Button - Reduces channel output
gain by 15dB +/- 2 dB
• Dual Function Stereo LED Level Indicator -
Indicated Master and PFL (Pre Fader Level)
Signal Levels
• Split Cue Monitoring
• Cue Mixing
• Separate gain control for each channel
• Hot Swap Crossfader
• Separate Mic EQ Section
American Audio would like to thank for your purchase of this great product. For those of you that are to impatient to read the entire user manual we have compiled these quick start instructions. We hope that you will at least read through these instructions to familiarize yourself with the basic understanding of the unit. The Q-D5 is part of Ameri - can Audio’s continuing evolution in audio technology. This unit has been built and designed with the typical DJ in mind, by DJ’s. We have attempted to provide you with the most reliable product on the market by using only compo - nents made from quality products. MASTER LEVEL - Use this level control to set your volume output. Try never to send an output of more than +4dB to your system. Signal at levels higher than this will start to distort and may cause damage to your system and speak - ers. Remember that a distorted signal from you mixer will only be multiplied throughout your system. CHANNEL GAIN LEVEL - The channel trim levels are not to be used as volume controls, never use the channel gain to set the output volume. These controls are used to aid in distortion control. Use these control to preset your signal level before the crossfader. With your channel faders in the maximum position, use the channel trim level to set an average output level of about +4dB on you master level meter. HEADPHONES - To avoid sever hearing damage, always be sure the headphone level is set to mini - mum before plugging them in. Never put the headphone on without making sure the headphone level is turned down. MIC - The mic connector uses a 1/4” jack unbalanced connector. The DJ mic has an independent volume control. When feedback occurs when using the mic, try lowering the “low” level this may reduce the feedback. Always leave the mic level to it’s minimum level when not in use. PHONO/AUX SWITCH ( 27) - This switch is used to change the selected input from phono level to line level and vice versa. Channels 1 and 2 may be switched PHONO/AUX or LINE. The selectors for AUX1/PHONO1 and AUX2/PHONO2 are on the rear panel. Q-START FEATURE - This function works in conjunction with a compatible American Audio or Ameri - can DJ “Q”Start CD player. When used with a compatible CD player, you can use the crossfader to start and stop the CD Player with the slide of the fader. The ON/OFF “Q ”START switch activates this FADER “Q ”START feature. CROSSFADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT - This rotary knob is used to change the way the crossfader will operate. The crossfader can operate in three different modes, NORMAL CURVE , QUICK CURVE and any variation of the two. (Quick Curve usually used for crabbing). CHANNEL FADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT - This rotary knob is used to change the way the channel fader will operate. Each channel has a Curve adjustment. The curve on the faders adjust from long or short or any variation of the two. REVERSE FUNCTION - Both the crossfader and the channel faders will reverse function when the reverse switch is activated. Q-D5™ Quick start instructions ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 4 DJ SKILZ SIGNATURE SERIES
Q-D5™ Controls and Features 1. OPTICAL CROSSFADER - This fader is used to blend the output signals of channels one and two together. When the fader is in the full left position (channel 1), the output signal of channel one will be controlled by the master volume level. The same fundamentals will apply for channel two. Sliding the fader from one position to another will vary the output signals of channels one and two respectively. When the crossfader is set in the center position, the output signals of both the channels one and channels two will be even. 2. CHANNEL FADER - These faders are used to control the output signal of any source assigned to its particular channel. 3. CHANNEL TRANSFORMER SWITCH (REPLACEABLE AND ADJUSTABLE) - These switches are used to select the input source assigned to each channel. Each channel may only be assigned one input source at a time. The TRANSFORMER SWITCH may be used in an up/down or left/right pattern. To adjust the transformer orientation please follow the instructions on page 13. 4. PFL BUTTONS - These buttons are used to activate a channels “CUE” mode. A red LED next to the PFL button will glow when a channels cue mode is activated. Cue mode will send a channels ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 5 Top Panel DJ SKILZ SIGNATURE SERIES 11 10987 14 13 12 16 1 3 2 6a 5 4 15 6b
Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.
incoming signal to the headphones. The cue level is adjusted by the CUE LEVEL ADJUSTMENT KNOB
(13). Be sure the cue level is set to minimum before putting a pair of headphones on. Be sure the CUE
MIXING KNOB (12) is turned to the “CUE” position to hear the selected channel source.
5. TALKOVER BUTTON
- When engaged this function will decrease all signal levels, except the
microphone level, by 15dB. A red LED next to the Talkover Button will glow when the talkover function
is engaged. In the OFF position all signals will remain at their normal levels.
6a . MICROPHONE VOLUME - This knob is used to regulate the microphone output volume. Turning
the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the volume level.
6b . MICROPHONE EQ SECTION - These controls are used to adjust the microphone treble level,
midrange, and bass levels. Each microphone input has a separate channel EQ.
MICROPHONE TREBLE CONTROL - This knob is used to adjust the treble levels of the
Microphone with a maximum signal gain of 15dB or maximum signal decrease of -30dB.
Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of treble
applied to the microphone signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase
the amount of treble applied to microphone signal.
MICROPHONE BASS CONTROL - This knob is used to adjust the low frequency levels of
the microphone with a maximum signal gain of 15dB or maximum signal decrease of -30dB.
Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of bass applied to
the microphone signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount
of bass applied to microphone signal.
7. CHANNEL CUT BUTTONS - These buttons are used to cut out the Treble, Mid or Bass frequencies
of the incoming audio signal. When these buttons are depressed the selected frequency level is cut by
100%. When a Cut Button is engaged a red LED located directly above the specific button will begin
to glow, indicating the cut function has been activated. Depressing the Cut Button will disengage the
cut function.
8. LEVEL INDICATORS -
The dual LED’s indicators are used to indicate either the master output level
or the PFL level’s of channels one and two. The level indicators will directly reflect the operating mode
of the dB SELECTOR SWITCH (15)
.
9. CHANNEL GAIN CONTROL - This adjustment is used to adjust an audio source signal input gain
for a channel. Never use the gain control to adjust output volume. Setting the gain level properly will
ensure a clean output signal. To properly set the gain level controls:
1. Be sure the MASTER VOLUME CONTROL (11) is set to minimum (zero output).
2. Set the CHANNEL FADER (2) to level 7.
3. Begin play on an audio source connected to the channel you are adjusting.
4. Be sure the LED LEVEL INDICATOR FUNCTION SWITCH (15)
is set to the PFL CH1/CH2
position.
5. Turn the PFL (4) function on, for the channel you are adjusting.
6. Use the GAIN CONTROL (9)
to achieve an average output level of +4 dB.
10. MAIN POWER SWITCH -
This is the main power ON/OFF button. The power switch will glow blue
when power is ON. Before main power is applied, be sure you have made all connections to the mixer.
Also be sure your amplifier(s) is(are) tuned off. Remember to avoid damaging pops, the mixer should
be powered on first and turned off last.
11. MASTER VOLUME CONTROL -
This rotary knob is used to control the master output level (volume).
To avoid distorted output try to maintain an average output signal level +4 dB. Be sure this volume
©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 6
control is always set to zero before turning the unit on. 12. CUE MIXING CONTROLLER - This knob selects the channel for monitoring. The monitor signal comes from the Prefader. This means it will not be affected by the channel faders. You can monitor each channel individually. Connect your headphones to the HEADPHONES JACK (34) . Turn the CUE MIXING CONTROL to CUE and select the desired channels with the PFL switches. When you turn the CUE MIXING CONTROL to PGM (PFL switches without function), you can cue the output signal of the mixer. If the CUE MIXING CONTROL is set to the center position, you can cue both the channel signal you selected and the output signal.With the CUE LEVEL control, you can adjust the phones volume without changing the output signal. 13. CUE LEVEL VOLUME CONTROL - This knob is used to adjusts the headphone volume output level. Turn the knob in a clockwise direction to increase the headphone volume. 14. CHANNEL EQUALIZER (“ROTARY KILLS” - BASS/MID/TREBLE CONTROL) - All of the chan- nels include a three-band signal EQ. These controls are used to increase or decrease the LOW’s, MID’s, and HI’s of the output signal. CHANNEL TREBLE CONTROL - This knob is used to adjust the treble levels of a channel allowing for a maximum treble gain of 15dB or maximum decrease of -30dB. Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of treble applied to a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount of treble applied to a channel signal. CHANNEL MIDRANGE CONTROL - This knob is used to adjust the midrange levels of a channel allowing for a maximum midrange gain of 15dB or maximum decrease of -30dB. Turning t he knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of midrange applied to a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount of midrange applied to a channel signal. CHANNEL BASS CONTROL - This knob is used to adjust the low frequency levels of a channel allowing for a maximum bass gain of 15dB or maximum signal decrease of -30dB. Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of bass applied to a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount of bass applied to a channel signal. 15. dB METER MODE SELECTOR - This push button switch is used to change the operating mode of the dB LED meter. When the switch is in the Master L/R (up) position, the dB meter will indicate the master output levels. When the switch is in the PFL CH1/CH2 (down) position the dB meter will use the left side of the meter to indicate channel one’s prefader level and use the right side of the meter to indicate channel two’s prefader level. 16 . Q-START ON/OFF SWITCH - This function works in conjunction with a compatible American Audio ® or American DJ® “Q” Start CD player. When used with a compatible CD player, you can use the crossfader to start and stop the CD play. The ON/OFF “Q” START switch activates the fader “Q” start feature. When the fader “Q” start feature is activated sliding the CROSSFADER (1) from left to right will play or cue any CD player connected to the CONTROLLER JACKS (19) on the rear of the unit. For example, connect a compatible dual CD player connect to mixer channels one and two (refer to your CD player manual for proper set-up). Be sure the Fader “Q” Start feature is activated on both channels. Slide the crossfader to the channel one position (full left) and begin playback on CD drive one. Slide the crossfader to the channel position (far right). This will immediately trigger the play function on CD drive two and return CD drive one to cue mode. To return to normal fader operation turn the Fader “Q” Start ON/OFF SWITCH to the ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 7 Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.
Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont. ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 8 17. AC CONNECTION - This connector is used to supply main power to the unit via the included detachable power cord. Use only the supplied, polarized AC power cord. This cord is designed to fit in one direction only. Do not attempt to force a cord in if it does not fit, be sure the cord is being inserted properly 18. AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR - This switch is used to adjust the operating voltage. Operating voltage can be toggled between 115V/50Hz or 230V/60Hz. Always be sure the selector is set to the proper voltage for your area before attempting to operate the unit. 19. PLAYER CONTROL - These jacks are used to control the “Q-Start” function between the mixer and a compatible American Audio CD Player. Input mini plugs from CD player controller into these jacks, input CD 1 into jack A and CD 2 into jack B. 20. LIGHT CONTROL - This jack provides a preset mono audio signal output. There is no way to adjust this level, however this level will directly reflect the output level of the CHANNEL FADERS (2) . This buffered audio output should only be used for light controllers that can accept an external audio input. Great for Touch Panels and Chase Controllers. 21. DJ MICROPHONE CONNECTOR - This jack is used to a connect a microphone to the mixer. Connect you microphone via 1/4 inch (6.3mm) jack. The signal volume will be controlled by the DJ MIC KNOB (6a). The bass and treble levels can also be adjusted by the built-in MICROPHONE EQ (6b). 22. BALANCED XLR MASTER OUTPUTS - The Master Output includes a pair XLR Balanced JACKS as well as a pair RCA UNBALANCED JACKS (23) . The 3-pin XLR jacks send a high current balanced output signal. These jacks should be used when you will be driving an amp or other audio 22282726252423 21201917 3029 18
equipment with a balanced input, or whenever you will be running a signal line greater than 15 feet. Always, use these jacks whenever possible. 23. RCA MASTER OUTPUTS - The Master Output includes a pair of RCA UNBALANCED JACKS (22). The RCA jacks send a low current unbalanced output signal. 24. REC OUT - This is a low current unbalanced output source designed for various tape and CD recorders. The Record Out (REC OUT) level is dictated by the CHANNEL FADER LEVEL (2) , it is not influenced by the MASTER VOLUME CONTROL (11). 25. CHANNEL 2: LINE 2 RCA INPUT JACKS - These Jacks are used for line level inputs. Connect CD players or Tape Decks to LINE inputs. Line level musical instruments with stereo outputs such as Rhythm Machines or Samplers should also be connected to LINE inputs. Turntables should only be connected to “Phono” inputs. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the white represents the left channel input. 26. CHANNEL 2: PHONO 2 INPUT/AUX 2 JACKS - The type of input must directly reflect the selected mode of the LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH (27) . Connect turntables equipped with MM pickup car- tridge to PHONO inputs (All DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges). CD players or Tape Decks and other line level instruments may be connected to these jacks as long as the LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH (27) is in the “AUX 2” position. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the white represents the left channel input. 27. LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH - This switch is used to change the mode of PHONO INPUT JACKS (26 and 29). When connecting turntable to these jacks be sure the switch is in the PHONO position, and when using line level input devices be sure this switch is in the AUX position. Always be sure main power is shut off before change the position of the Line Level Selector Switch. 28. CHANNEL 1: LINE 1 RCA INPUT JACKS - These Jacks are used for line level inputs. Connect CD players or Tape Decks to LINE inputs. Line level musical instruments with stereo outputs such as Rhythm Machines or Samplers should also be connected to LINE inputs. Turntables should only be connected to “Phono” inputs. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the white represents the left channel input. 29. CHANNEL 1: PHONO 1 INPUT/AUX 1 JACKS - The type of input must directly reflect the selected mode of the LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH (27) . Connect turntables equipped with MM pickup car- tridge to PHONO inputs (All DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges). CD players or Tape Decks and other line level instruments may be connected to these jacks as long as the LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH (27) is in the “AUX 1” position. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the white represents the left channel input. 30. GND (GROUND TERMINAL) - Connect each of your turntables ground leads to either of the two ground terminal. This will reduce the humming and popping noises associated with magnetic phono cartridges. Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont. ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 9
Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont. ©American Audio® - www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 10 31. CHANNEL FADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT - This rotary knob is used to change the way the chan- nel fader will operate. Each of the two channels has a “Curve” adjustment. The curve on the faders adjust from long or short or any variation of the two. The shorter the curve adjustment the sooner full volume will be reached. 32. CROSSFADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT - This rotary knob is used to change the way the cross - fader will operate. The crossfader can operate in different modes, “NORMAL CURVE”, “QUICK CURVE” or any variation of the two. (Quick Curve usually used for crabbing). 33. REVERSE FUNCTION SWITCH - Both the crossfader and the channel faders will reverse function when the reverse switch is activated. When reversing the crossfader, channel two of the crossfader will control volume output for fader channel one and channel one of the crossfader will control volume output for channel fader two. When reversing the channel faders, moving the fader in an upwards direction will decrease channel volume and moving the fader in a downwards direction will increase channel volume. 34. HEADPHONE OUTPUT JACK - This jack is used to connect your headphones to the mixer allow- ing you to monitor the cue source. Use headphones only rated at 8 ohms to 32 ohms. Most DJ head - phones are rated at 16 ohm, these are highly recommended. Always be sure the CUE LEVEL VOLUME (13) is set to minimum before you put the headphones on. 31343332