Akiyama A3M User Manual Download Page 18

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SEND - RET

RN F

NCTION

OPERATING AN EXTERNAL EFFECTS UNIT

RETURN INPUT AS AN AUXILIARY CHANNEL

First we have to do the

connection between mixer and effects unit. Since a lot of problems

occur due wrong connection we recomend the user to read carefully the manuals.

First, using control 2 , we choose a channel or Master to be Send to the external effects processor.
A3M allows for Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, Master and A4M allows for Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, Ch4, Master.

Once a channel is selected is routed to the effects unit at once, providing some audio source is on
playback at such channel. The effects unit “colours” the original sound and returns it through the
Return connector of the mixer.

Next thing to do is monitor the incoming “coloured” or processed signal. We have two means of
monitoring or previewing this signal. A visual monitor (LED bar 25) to assess the level and an
Acoustical mean by listening through the headphones.

Level meter 25 : Measures the level of the incoming signal. The level of this signal will be
determined by the effects processor Output control and by the mixer Return control 2

Set the

control Return Level 2

as described at introductory page - 15 Min Read Me -. Hence, saturation is

avoided at input stage. Bear in mind that when you add the return signal to the Master, the overall level
will increase and you will have to be keeping an eye at the Master Output Lever meters

for

possible main output distortion.

Acoustical monitoring: Select Cue toggle 2 ., a red LED lights up. The incoming signal is at
headphones. It will appear at CUE side of balance control if you lower Return control 2 , therefore if
you just whant to pre-listen the incoming signal you turn the balance knob to CUE.

Now that you have set an appropriate level to the incoming signal and that you are listening it through
your headphones it is time to send it to the master bus.

Effects ON/OFF: knob 2

activate and deactivate the incoming signal to Master bus. While we

previewed and pre-listened to the incoming or return signal we had the control 2

at OFF. Once we

set it all up with the monitoring we activate the control 2

to send the incoming signal to Master.

Then the incoming signal is heard.

Bear in mind that the incoming or Return signal will be send to Master, you cannot use the crossfader
for it.

Wet/Dry balance: Most late models of effects processor have their own Wet/Dry balance. You can use
it and pre-listen the result before launching the processed signal to the mixer. Or even you can play
with it during the session.
However, you can also balance the two signals with the mixer alone. This is done by acting upon the
Return Level control 2

and the fader of the selected channel by means of control 2 .

If no external processor is used Return input remains idle. It can be use as an extra stereo channel with
its own LED bar for level monitoring its own fader (Return Level) and Cue function.

This configuration will allow you to link two mixers and play a “duetto” with your buddies.

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