MPAC-01
2
User Manual
3
SAFETY GUIDELINES
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. Do not expose
this appliance to rain or moisture. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer
servicing to qualified personnel only.
Keep These Instructions: Please retain all safety and operating instructions for future
reference.
Heat: This product should be situated away from other heat sources such as fire, high
heat emitting devices, heaters, etc.
Grounding and Polarization: Never defeat the product’s power grounding means.
Power-Cord Protection: Power supply cords should not be connected or placed in a
fashion that could allow possible exposure to damage. Take care to avoid wear and tear,
rubbing, squashing, etc.
Cleaning: The product should be cleaned only with a soft cloth. Do not use any harsh
chemicals or corrosive products on the unit.
Inactivity: The power cord of the product should be unplugged from the outlet when left
unused for a long period of time.
Service requirement: Service should be performed only by qualified service personnel.
The user should not attempt to service this product.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the MXL MPAC-01! This state-of-the-art microphone
preamp/compressor is designed for today’s recording equipment and will enhance your
recordings by adding rich, tonal quality and precise signal control. The MXL MPAC-01
is a single-channel preamp, meaning it operates with one microphone. Before you get
started, please take a moment to read through this manual so you can make the most out
of your new purchase.
What Does A Mic Preamp Do?
A preamp is a critical component in the signal chain of any recording system. In a typical
recording set up, your preamp/compressor will connect to a mixer, an A/D converter,
computer audio interface, or a recording device. Microphones output a low-level signal
that is not strong enough to record without some kind of amplification. This is where your
preamp comes in by adding gain (or volume) to the low-level signal (called a “mic-level”
signal). Once the preamplifier (or “pre”) boosts the mic-level signal, it can be sent to your
recording device.
What Does A Compressor Do?
Also an important tool in audio engineering, a compressor is an audio circuit that auto-
matically adjusts or “compresses” the audio signal level for a more consistent dynamic
range. A compressor accomplishes this by decreasing the volume when the source is
louder than a set threshold.
INSTALLATION
The package includes the MXL MPAC-01 preamp/compressor, power supply and this
manual. Carefully examine the packaging for any signs of physical damage, which may have
occurred in transit. If the unit is damaged, contact the retailer where you purchased the unit.
The MXL MPAC-01 is a standard 1RU rack-mount sized unit that can be rack-mounted or
placed on a desk or other working surface.
MAIN POWER
The MXL MPAC-01 comes with an external power supply. Connect the power supply to the
main power input located on the rear of the unit. Only use the power supply included with
the product. If you lose or damage the power supply, contact MXL to inquire about replac-
ing the power supply.
FRONT PANEL
A. On/Off Switch: When the power is turned on, the power indicator LED will illuminate.
B. On/Off 48V: The MXL MPAC-01 su48V DC phantom power for condenser and
active dynamic/ribbon mics. Consult your microphone’s user manual to see if phantom
power is needed to power it. It’s best to have phantom power turned off when connecting
microphones to the MXL MPAC-01. Be sure to turn down or mute the output when
engaging or disengaging phantom power.
C. Gain Control Knob: Use the Gain control knob to set volume. The gain range is
infinity to 60dB. Full counterclockwise is the minimum gain position; full clockwise
is maximum gain.
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
Power
48V
GAIN
HPF
ON
OFF
IN (0°)
OUT (180°)
High Pass
Filter
Phase
Pad
OdB
-20dB
0
10
50Hz
175Hz
Gain
Reduction
THRESHOLD
ATTACK
RATIO
RELEASE
MAKE-UP
HARD
SOFT
KNEE
ON
OFF
COMPRESSOR
Slow
Fast
-10
+10
Slow
Fast
-20
+20
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
0
Output
Level
dBu
Mic Pre/Compressor
MIC INPUT
INSERT
MIC OUTPUT
24V~/ 1000mA
A
B
C
E
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L M N
O
P