8
cables can be conveniently routed from one side of the mixer providing a clean
and compact setup for use on the run.
C.
OUTPUT LIMITERS
.
The limit threshold (activation level) is factory set at +3 on the meter. The limiters
compress the signal at approximately 2.7 to 1 ratio. This is to say an increase of
2.7dB in input signal will result in only a 1dB increase in output signal. Output
channel limiting is displayed on the LCD meter.
The M4mkII contains two separate limiters that are controlled by one front panel
mounted switch. This switch has three settings: Off, Separate (S), and Ganged
(G). In the off position, no limiting occurs.
In the separate position, the limiters act independently of each other. This is
especially useful when recording split tracks. I.E. interviewer and interviewee on
separate channels. Thus, if one person un-expectantly raises their voice, that
limiter will activate, but the other will not. In the ganged mode, both limiters are
tied together and can be triggered by either input. This is useful in recording
stereo, as independent limiting would alter the stereo image.
PRACTICAL USE NOTE
:
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE
LIMITERS BE USED AT ALL TIMES WHEN RECORDING TO BETACAM
TYPE CAMERAS
.
Most video cameras have limited audio track headroom and can easily be
overloaded resulting in distortion of the recorded audio. Play it safe, use the
limiters!
D. TRANSCRIPTION
OUTPUTS
The M4mkII Mixer also contains a dedicated microphone level output used to
feed transcription recorders. This connector is located directly below the main
XLR outputs. It is a 3.5mm Stereo connector wired as follows: Tip = Left, Ring is
Right, Sleeve = Ground. This connector provides a –45dBv signal. This is
compatible with most transcription cassette recorders.
E. HEADPHONE
OUTPUT
The Headphone output is located directly on the front panel of the mixer. This
location was chosen to allow the operator to easily plug/unplug the phones from
the M4mkII Mixer and other devices. The M4mkII Mixer’s headphone amplifier
circuitry is designed to drive virtually any headphone with an impedance rating of
32 to 600 Ohms. The headphone circuitry is controlled by the use of two
switches and a convient front panel mounted volume control. The two switches
are used to control what the operator listens to. The most commonly used switch
is located on the front panel and is used to allow the operator to chose between
monitoring normal stereo, left channel to both ears or right channel to both ears.
This feature is an improvement over previous M4 designs. The second switch is