SmartMixer
®
Eight-Channel Automatic Mixer
AT-MX381
Features
• Eight balanced inputs allow use with both mic- and line-level signals
• Each input provides:
- Phantom power (48V), individually selectable
- Individual gain and volume controls
- Gate attenuation (adjustable)
- Low-cut filter (individually selectable via SmartMixer
®
Software)
• An RS232 data port provides a connection point for a PC with
included SmartMixer
®
Software
• Compatible with Crestron
®
and AMX
®
systems
• External control capability enables the SmartMixer
®
to activate
other devices
- Force-On–allows an external contact closure to force its associated
input to turn on
- Force-Off–allows an external contact closure to force its associated
input to turn off
- Control Voltage Out–a voltage appears when the associated input’s
gate opens or turns “on”
• Selectable NOMA (Number of Open Mics Attenuated) circuitry helps
control feedback
• Priority pre-select feature allows priority of each microphone to be
independently assigned
• Last Mic On selectable for continuous room ambiance
• Linking capability for 16 units (up to 128 channels)
• A direct output connection is available for each input
• Equipped with two audio outputs (one balanced, one unbalanced)
to drive amplification systems or other equipment
• Monitor headphone output with level control
• Basic functions are configured via front panel; detailed settings
through SmartMixer
®
Software
• Mounts in a single 19" rack space via integral rack-mount
Description
Audio-Technica’s AT-MX381 SmartMixer
®
is a microprocessor-controlled,
programmable, automatic-switching eight-channel audio mixer designed
to improve audio quality in broadcast, sound-reinforcement and recording
applications. By keeping the number of open microphones to a minimum,
the mixer reduces background noise, feedback and other distractions,
while providing instant, completely transparent switching between channels.
For use with low-impedance dynamic and condenser microphones
(including wireless microphone systems), as well as with line-level
sources, the AT-MX381 automatically gates microphones on and off for
the best possible audio quality. Each of the AT-MX381 SmartMixer’s eight
balanced inputs provides switchable 48-volt phantom power; attenuation
is also selectable on each input to allow use with line-level signals. A
direct output connection is available for each input, for use with logging
recorders and other devices. To custom-tailor conferencing needs, the
mode of each microphone channel can be independently switched. The
combination of switch settings results in three different modes of priority
selection/operation. A selectable last mic on feature keeps the most
recently used microphone on for continuous room ambiance.
Up to 16 AT-MX381 SmartMixers (a total of 128 channels) can be
daisy-chained via the included Link Cable, for large multi-mic installations.
In a multiple-microphone system, as more microphones are turned on,
the increased system gain can be a potential source of feedback. The
selectable NOMA (Number of Open Microphones Attenuated) feature
helps control feedback by compensating for the increase in system gain.
A built-in algorithm in the AT-MX381 recognizes how many microphones
are “on” and automatically adjusts the system gain accordingly. If
automatic functions are not desired, the AT-MX381 SmartMixer
®
can
function in manual mode, bypassing the mixer’s automatic switching and
attenuation functions, causing the unit to behave like a conventional mixer.
The AT-MX381 includes two separate external control systems: Individual-
channel contact closures (via DB25 connector) and PC control (via RS232
connector). The RS232 connector can also be used to connect an external
control system (Crestron
®
or AMX
®
) using open disclosure communica-
tion protocol to control the SmartMixer.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specifications
The automatic mixer shall be a microprocessor-controlled, programmable,
automatic-switching eight-channel audio mixer. It shall be suitable for
use with low-impedance dynamic and condenser microphones (including
wireless microphone systems), as well as with line-level input sources.
The mixer shall be equipped with eight balanced inputs, each providing
switchable 48-volt phantom power. Independent input trim (for gain set-
ting) and channel level controls shall be provided for each input allowing
the automatic mixer to accept a wide variety of microphone- and line-
level signals. A low-frequency roll-off filter shall be provided on each input
to tailor the sound to minimize the pickup of unwanted mechanical noise.
Each input shall be provided with an input gate/overload indicator to show
channel gate status or input overload. Input and output connections shall
be via standard Phoenix-type connector blocks. Mating connectors shall
be included with the mixer. A direct output connection shall be available
for each input. This connection shall be configurable to output signal
before or after the channel’s gate.
The mixer shall be designed to operate in one of three priority configura-
tions, allowing certain inputs to have priority over other inputs. It shall be
possible to independently configure the setting of each input channel, for
one of the priority modes. Any number of channels can be given priority
over other channels for maximum operational flexibility. An adjustable
master threshold control shall be provided to allow for setting the point
at which the gates are triggered. Front panel status indicators shall be
provided showing attenuation status, mic/line input selection and channel
priority mode. A dedicated LED shall indicate manual or automatic mode.
The mixer shall allow for last microphone on operation. In this mode, the
last active microphone shall stay active (on) so that ambient sound is
never muted. The time that the mixer keeps a channel’s gate open shall
be configurable from 0.5 to 3.0 seconds.
The unit shall offer a selectable NOMA (Number of Open Microphones
Attenuated) feature to help control feedback by compensating for the
increase in system gain based on the number of active (open) micro-
phones. The automatic mixer shall offer a manual mode, which bypasses
the mixer’s automatic switching and attenuation functions.
The mixer shall provide external contact closures and logic control
outputs to enable the mixer to interface with external devices for control
and status indication via a standard DB25 connector. An RS232 computer
interface control connector shall be provided for connection of a com-
puter system for configuration and programming. In addition, the RS232
SmartMixer
®
