PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
–
The
UC-5
is a 5 channel – 200 watt universal mixer-amplifier. Channels 1-4
are equipped with both a ¼” TRS balanced instrument input and a separate XLR balanced microphone input (with
globally switched phantom power). Channel 5 is equipped with a pair of line level unbalanced RCA phono jacks and
a ¼” unbalanced line input. Each channel then passes through an independent 3 band equalizer, volume control
and each channel is also equipped with an individual send control to the on-board Alesis
15 program digital
effects circuit with ¼” cancel jack. The channel signals are then summed together, mixed with the digital effects
master return control and passed on to the internal 200 watt power amplifier. The back panel contains a direct
balanced output with ground lift switch, a preamp out/power amp in insert loop, and three 1/4” speaker jacks. The
fully protected power amplifier operates in dual and mono bridge mode allowing additional flexibility. Combo and
rack mount configurations are available.
INPUTS (CHANNELS 1-4)
–
Channels 1-4 on the UC-5 are equipped with 2 types of input jacks. The ¼”
TRS input is balanced and “instrument level” with a useable sensitivity from approximately –50dBv to –10dBv. The
input impedance is 100k ohms. The ¼” input will also accept unbalanced sources, by recognizing the tip portion of
the signal and referencing the ring to ground. Even though the high sensitivity of the ¼” input is designed for
instrument levels, higher signal levels can be used without input overload, although you will be operating at the
lower end of the volume control range. Additionally, the precision input scaling preamp contains a 15 Hz high pass
filter and an “RFI” filter (radio frequency interference) to eliminate unwanted noise. The XLR input jack is balanced
and “microphone level”, with a useable sensitivity from –60dBv to –20 dBv. It contains a precision full range
differential microphone preamp with phantom power that is switchable globally from the back panel. For use with
higher level sources (such as the balanced line level output from a keyboard), either reduce the volume from the
source or insert a balanced pad network between the source and the UC-5 input. Phantom power is 13.6 volts,
compatible with virtually all commonly used condenser microphones. Externally biased condenser microphones
(less than 1% of all condensers sold in the U.S.) typically require higher phantom voltages and will not operate
properly with any mixers providing 13.6 volts. Dynamic microphones can be used with no ill effect. Plugging into
the ¼” input will disconnect the XLR input from the circuit. Each channel is also equipped with a ¼” unbalanced
direct output, useable for direct recording or as a pre-eq individual channel signal source for use with individual
direct boxes in a live PA situation.
INPUTS (CHANNEL 5)
–
Channel 5 on the UC-5 is equipped with 2 types of input jacks. The RCA phono
jacks are paralleled internally, eliminating the need for a “Y” cable when using a stereo source. Also provided is a
¼” unbalanced line level input, paralleled with the RCA phono inputs. Input sensitivity is from –20dBv to +4dBv,
allowing use of true line level sources such as CD players without the risk of overdriving the input. All inputs are
active at all times.
ON-BOARD ALESIS
DIGITAL EFFECTS
–
The UC-5 contains a genuine
Alesis
15 program digital
effects processor. Unlike other amplifier manufacturer’s built-in digital effect units, we chose to use an industry
leader in processing with an undisputed reputation for realistic, high quality effects algorithms. Not all of the
different effects will be suitable for all types of instruments or playing styles, but everyone should find a good
selection of solid, useable programs. Just keep in mind that a program that doesn’t work well for your quick
acoustic guitar or mandolin work (long lush reverbs for example) may be the perfect program for sax or flute. Level
differences are normal when switching between different effects, adjust the send and master levels accordingly.
The effects level control on each channel adjusts the send level to the digital effects processor. The digital effects
level in the master section controls the effects return level from the processor. A ¼” effects cancel jack is provided
on the back panel to mute the internal effects via footswitch. Any standard single button latching footswitch (with
shielded cable) may be used. Signal is muted when the switch is closed. The effect program labeled “bypass” is
reserved for use on amplifier modes with programmable preset switching and does not produce an effect on the
UC-5.
3 BAND ACTIVE EQUALIZATION
–
Each channel of the UC-5 contains a separate 3 band active
equalizer. These equalizers, similar to those found on professional sound consoles, are very useful tools when
used correctly. The corner frequency of the
low frequency
section is 125 Hz, shelving curve. This frequency is
particularly handy when dealing with low frequency feedback from a big dreadnaught guitar or boomy voice. A
combination of volume reduction and turning down the low frequency control will generally get good results.
Become familiar with the action of the controls since their effective gain range is quite large. The low frequency
control is also handy for adding some “bottom” to a baritone sax and “chunk” to a mandolin, mando-cello or
electric-acoustic guitar. The corner frequency of the
high frequency
section is 8 kHz, shelving curve. This
frequency is especially useful for taming the bright harshness of some mandolins, violins, brass and reeds. It can
also be used to help acoustic guitars, cellos and flutes cut through other players in loud club situations. The
mid
