USER GUIDE
Publication AP9250_1
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Limited One Year Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner.
To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating. In the event of a failure, notify and return the defective unit to ALLEN & HEATH Limited or its authorised agent as soon as possible for repair under warranty subject to the following conditions
Conditions Of Warranty
The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with the instructions in this User Guide.
The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or accidental, neglect, or alteration other than as described in the User
Guide or Service Manual, or approved by ALLEN & HEATH.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by
ALLEN & HEATH or its authorised agent.
This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to ALLEN &
HEATH or its authorised agent with proof of purchase.
Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.
In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN &
HEATH agent for any additional warranty which may apply.
This product complies with the European Electromagnetic
Compatibility directives 2004/108/EC and the European Low Voltage directives 2006/95/EC.
Any changes or modifications to the equipment not approved by Allen &
Heath could void the compliance of the product and therefore the users authority to operate it.
XONE:23 User Guide AP9250 Issue 1
Copyright © 2014 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved
Allen & Heath Limited
Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK http://www.allen-heath.com http://www.xone.co.uk
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PACKED ITEMS
Check that you have received the following:
Xone:23 mixer
Power Supply
12V - 2.5 Amps
Power supply IEC Lead
This is country specific and will vary with mains voltage/territory
Safety Sheet
Important ! Read this sheet before starting.
Retain for future reference.
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CONTENTS
Congratulations on purchasing the Allen & Heath Xone:23 performance DJ mixer. To ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the unit please spare a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the controls and setup procedures outlined in this user guide. For further information please refer to the additional information available on our web site, or contact our technical support team. http://www.xone.co.uk http://www.allen-heath.com
Warranty ......................................................... 2
Packed Items .................................................. 3
Contents ......................................................... 4
Connection diagram ..................................... 5
Introduction ................................................... 6
Input channel controls ................................. 7
Master section controls ............................... 8
Mic and Filter controls ................................. 9
Rear panel connections ............................... 10
Filters reference ............................................ 11
Operating levels ............................................ 12
Earthing ........................................................... 13
Servicing ......................................................... 14
User replaceable spare parts ...................... 15
Fault finding .................................................... 16
Specification.................................................... 17
Block Diagram ............................................... 18
Product registration ..................................... 20
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APPLICATION DIAGRAM
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INTRODUCTION TO THE XONE:23
The Xone:23 is a high performance 2+2 channel VCA mixer designed around the latest analogue circuitry featuring microprocessor control of all signal routing.
It is equipped with a version of the famous Xone filter system, a 3 band EQ
Isolator, plus a send/return loop for external effects.
The crossfader curve has two settings, suitable for either blending or beat matching, or a more aggressive curve for scratching. For ultimate crossfader performance the mixer can also be equipped with a custom Innofader, available from your nearest Allen & Heath stockist, (part number
004-504JIT).
With a studio standard 20dB of signal headroom, a separate booth monitor and balanced XLR main outputs, (with an impressive +28dBu max level) the
Xone:23 is perfect for the DJ who requires a high quality compact mix tool.
Key features of the Xone:23 are:
2+2 stereo channels with dual levels for phono/line inputs
Up to 4 sources can be mixed simultaneously
3 Band full cut equalizer
Voltage Controlled Filter system
Send/Return loop for external FX
Accurate signal level monitoring with peak hold
Main mix outputs on professional balanced XLR connectors
Dedicated local monitor (booth monitor)
Pro standard headroom (+20dB) to prevent overload
+28dBu maximum output level (balanced XLR)
Low audio distortion (typically 0.01% at +10dBu output)
Dedicated record output
Crossfader curve switch
Innofader crossfader option
Cue mix control with illuminated Cue switches
UV sensitive ink screen for improved low light legibility
Universal voltage power supply (works anywhere in the World)
We wish you the same fun playing on it as we have had designing it!
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INPUT CHANNEL CONTROLS
Input level controls
Adjust so that the average music level lights the
0 LED on the meter, with the beats lighting the +3 to +6 LED. Turn down if the +10 Red LED is illuminated. Each input has its own separate level control, so make sure to f u l l y t u r n d o w n
(anticlockwise) the input you don’t want feeding into the mix.
3-Band full kill EQ
Turn anti-clockwise to kill a frequency band or clockwise to boost.
If all controls are fully anti
-clockwise the signal will be muted
Filter/FX SND switch
Pressing this switch sends the channel signal to the
VCF filter section, and to the external effects
SND output
Channel Cue switch
Pressing this switch allows you to monitor the channel signal with the fader fully down before bringing it into the mix.
Channel Fader
VCA fader allows you to progressively raise or lower the channel signal in the mix.
For best signal-to-noise ratio, mix with the fader at or near the top of its travel
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MASTER CONTROLS
Master output Level
Sets the signal level to the main XLR mix output
Monitor output Level
Sets the signal level for the local monitor (booth) output
Crossfader
This is used to “fade” the signal level between the two channels, and its response is set using the curve switch. When the crossfader is fully over to the left only the music from channel 1 will be heard, and when fully to the right only channel 2. When in the centre the music from both channels will be heard in equal proportion.
Cue/Mix Control
When set to Cue, nothing will be sent to the headphone output unless a channel Cue is activated. When set to Mix, the main mix will always be sent to the headphones. In the centre position the Cue signal and the main mix are summed together.
Headphone level
Sets the level of the headphone output.
Warning! Very high level can cause hearing damage!
Headphone Socket
Accepts both 1/4” and 3.5mm plugs. Use a good quality set with an impedance between 25
- 70 Ohms.
Crossfader curve switch
Push to the left for a progressive fader response, useful for blending between tracks. Push to the right for a sharper response, more suitable for scratching
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MIC AND FILTER CONTROLS
Microphone input
Professional XLR balanced mic input. Use a low impedance dynamic hypercardioid Mic for best results.
Microphone Level
Adjusts the signal level of the mic input. If you are not using the mic, turn to minimum to prevent noise pick up.
Microphone EQ
2 band EQ for adjusting the tonal balance of the DJ mic
FX loop on switch
Press this switch to activate the external effect loop. Leave switched off if an external effects unit is not connected
Filter Frequency
Sets the cut off frequency of the VCF filter
Filter Resonance control
Changes the “Q” or sharpness of the VCF.
Mild will give a smooth filter sound, Wild will make the filter sound more pronounced
(sharper “Q”)
Filter type select
HPF - allows signals above the cut-off frequency to pass.
LPF - allows signals below the cut-off frequency to pass
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REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
Line input
For connection to a line level device;
(CD players etc)
Phono inputs
For connection to turntables only; this input has RIAA equalization for moving magnet cartridges.
Note: An internal modification can convert these to Line (see page 14)
Line input
For connection to a line level device;
(CD players etc)
Effects SND output
Connect this output to the input of an external effects unit.
Effects RTN input
Connect this input to the output of an external effects unit.
Power Switch
Switches the unit On/Off
PSU connection
To prevent damage to your
Xone:23 only use an A&H approved power supply
Main outputs
Connect these to a PA amplifier using professional balanced XLR connectors for maximum hum and noise rejection.
Do not short either pins
2 or 3 to ground. For unbalanced operation use pin 2 only and leave pin 3 floating.
Failure to observe this could result in damage to your Xone:23
Monitor output
Connect to a powered speaker or Hi-FI system
MADE IN CHINA
Grounding post
Connect the ground wire from turntables
(if fitted) to minimise hum
Record output
Use to record your mix.
Connect to a Minidisk recorder or computer soundcard input etc
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FILTER REFERENCE
The VCF Filters
A voltage controlled filter is an audio filter where the cut-off frequency is altered by a DC control voltage rather than a variable resistor. This produces a much wider operating range and more control over the filter response to create unlimited combinations of tonal effect.
Filter Type Select
The filters provide two simultaneous filter types: high-pass, and low-pass. A large illuminated switch selects which type is active.
The graphs below show the effect on the audio frequency response for the two filter types. The range of sweep from low to high frequency is shown together with the effect of adjusting RESONANCE.
The vertical scale shows the amount of cut or boost around the normal 0dB operating level. The horizontal scale shows the change in frequency from low (bass) to high
(treble).
LO-PASS FILTER
+5
0dB
-5
-10
-15
+20
+15
+10
-20
20
LO
100 1kHz
HI
10k 20k
HI-PASS FILTER
+20
+15
+10
+5
0dB
-5
-10
-15
-20
20
LO
100 1kHz
HI
10k 20k
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OPERATING LEVELS
It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. It is well known that many DJs push the level to maximum with meters peaking hard in the belief that they are getting the best from the system. THIS IS NOT THE CASE ! The best can only be achieved if the system levels are set within the normal operating range and not allowed to peak. Peaking simply results in signal distortion, not more volume. It is the specification of the amplifier / speaker system that sets the maximum volume that can be achieved, not the console. The human ear too can fool the operator into believing that more volume is needed. Be careful as this is in fact a warning that hearing damage will result if high listening levels are maintained. Remember that it is the QUALITY of the sound that pleases the ear, not just the VOLUME.
The diagram below illustrates the operating range of the audio signal.
NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. For normal music the signal should range between
–6 and +6 on the meters with average around 0dB. This allows enough HEADROOM for unexpected peaks before the signal hits its maximum CLIPPING voltage and distorts.
It also achieves the best SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO by keeping the signal well above the residual NOISE FLOOR (system hiss).
The DYNAMIC RANGE is the maximum signal swing available between the residual noise floor and clipping.
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An important note …
The human ear is a remarkable organ with the ability to compress or ‘shut down’ when sound levels become too high. Do not interpret this natural response as a reason to turn the system volume up further! As the session wears on ear fatigue may set in, and the speaker cones may become hot, increasing distortion and reducing the ability of listeners to gain any benefit from increased volume.
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EARTHING
The connection to earth (ground) in an audio system is important for two reasons:
SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage electric shock, and
AUDIO PERFORMANCE - To minimise the effect of earth (ground) loops which result in audible hum and buzz, and to shield the audio signals from interference.
For safety it is important that all equipment earths are connected to mains earth so that exposed metal parts are prevented from carrying high voltage which can injure or even kill the operator. It is recommended that a qualified system engineer check the continuity of the safety earth from all points in the system including microphone bodies, turntable chassis, equipment cases, and so on.
The same earth is also used to shield audio cables from external interference such as the hum fields associated with power transformers, lighting dimmer buzz, and computer radiation. Problems arise when the signal sees more than one path to mains earth. An ‘earth loop’ (ground loop) results causing current to flow between the different earth paths.
This condition is usually detected as a mains frequency audible hum or buzz.
To ensure safe and trouble-free operation we recommend the following:
Have your mains system checked by a qualified electrician. If the supply earthing is solid to start with you are less likely to experience problems.
Make sure that turntables are correctly earthed. A chassis earth terminal is provided on the console rear panel to connect to turntable earth straps.
Use low impedance sources such as microphones and line level equipment rated at 200 ohms or less to reduce susceptibility to interference. The console outputs are designed to operate at very low impedance to minimise interference problems.
Use balanced connections for microphones and mix output as these provide further immunity by cancelling out interference that may be picked up on long cable runs.
Do not unbalance the Xone:23 XLR outputs by shorting pin 3 to ground as this may damage the circuitry; for unbalanced operation connect the hot signal to pin 2 and the ground to pin 1. Leave pin 3 floating.
Use good quality cables and connectors and check for correct wiring and reliable solder joints. Allow sufficient cable loop to prevent damage through stretching.
If you are not sure ... Contact your service agent or local Allen &
Heath dealer for advice.
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SERVICING
How to replace the crossfader
If the crossfader is subject to a lot of use it will, in time wear out and need replacing. Intermittent or noisy operation is an indication that it is becoming worn. Using a propriety fader cleaner such as CaigLube might temporarily restore use, but DO NOT use on a new fader as it will wash away the factory applied grease.
Warning! Dismantling your mixer could invalidate the warranty; if you are unsure of your ability to safely carry out this work then it is advised that you leave it to a qualified service technician.
Tools you will need are T10, and T8 Torx screwdrivers. Ensure that the power supply has been turned off and disconnected from the unit. Using the T10 torxdriver remove the three screws located in the centre of the channel input and
FX loop connectors (see illustration), then using the T8 torxdriver remove the 8 screws that hold the front panel to the chassis. Now carefully lift the front edge of the panel up until the PCBs clear the chassis and pull the whole assembly forward slightly until the connectors at the rear are free from the chassis. You can now lift the front panel up to gain sufficient access to replace the crossfader.
If you wish to completely remove the front panel assembly you will need to unscrew the 1/4” headphone bezel using an
11mm or 7/16 AF socket, and remove the T10 screw that secures the headphone PCB to the chassis. Carefully unplug the multi-way harness from the connector PCB and lift the front panel away from the chassis.
Reassembly is a reverse of this procedure. Take great care to ensure that no harnesses become trapped and that all connectors are fully pushed home. Replace the screws and test the mixer for correct operation.
REMOVE THE T10 SCREWS ARROWED
Unscrew headphone bezel, and remove T10 screw that secures the headphone PCB to the chassis.
RIAA input options
To Replace the crossfader
Using the T8 driver, remove the 2 screws either side of the crossfader and lower the crossfader mounting plate - unplug the 4way harness from the crossfader PCB, and unscrew the fader from the mounting plate
The mounting plate is designed to allow for fitment of the contactless Innofader and can be fitted in two different positions depending which fader is being fitted.
The standard fader can be ordered under A&H part number 004-503JIT
The Innofader can be ordered under part number 004-504JIT
If the RIAA input level is too low, or you wish to convert them to Line level.
To increase the gain by 6dB, remove the resistors arrowed and link the Pads with solder. These resistors are located on the underside of the front panel
PCB, directly behind the Input RCA connectors
To convert to Line level, remove the resistors and leave the Pads unsoldered.
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AB9037 M3 x 85 CSK (12 places)
AJ7305 XONE KNOB
(LGE) (8 places)
AB8172 POT NUT BK (19 places - under knobs)
AB9256 2.5x9 AB TORX (10 places) on front panel and rear chassis panel
AJ7304 XONE KNOB
(SML) (11 places)
AJ5320 XONE FADER KNOB
(3 places - faders)
The diagram above shows all of the replacement parts that can be ordered from your local technical support, or direct from Allen & Heath, for the Xone:23. When ordering please quote the part number(s) of the required parts - this makes life easier for us!
See the previous page for information on replacing the crossfader, and for replacement crossfader assembly numbers.
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FAULT FINDING
No sound from mixer
Check that the unit is powered on, and that an audio signal is connected to a channel input.
Check that the Input level controls are turned clockwise at least to the centre position and that the music sources connected are in the correct inputs (Inputs 1 - 3 for turntables, Inputs 2 - 4 for CD players).
Check that the EQ controls are in the centre position.
Turn On the Channel CUE switch and raise the input channel LEVEL control until you see the meters displaying the music signal.
Raise the channel fader, and ensure that the crossfader is towards the channel that is receiving the audio signal.
Turn up the MASTER, MONITOR or HEADPHONE level controls, depending on what output your amplifier is connected to, or if you are monitoring through headphones.
External effects unit can’t be heard
Check that the Effects unit is connected correctly (see page 5) and switched on - the SND on the rear panel of the mixer should be connected to the input socket on the external effects unit, and the output from the effects unit should be connected to the RTN.
Check that the EXT - ON switch is on (illuminated RED) and that the channel FILTER switch is ON (illuminated BLUE).
Signal is loud and distorted
Check that the audio source is connected to the correct input; i.e. don’t connect a CD player to the PHONO input.
Adjust the channel input LEVEL so that the meters peak the +3 or +6
LEDs. If the red +10 meter LED comes on, turn down the channel
LEVEL control.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Connections
Inputs
Connection Nominal Level Maximum Level
Line
FX RTN
Mic
Outputs
Main Mix
RCA
RCA
XLR
20K ohm -10 to +20dBu
10K ohm 0 to +20dBu
<2K ohm -42 TO –12dBu
Balanced XLR 100 ohms +4dBu +28dBu ohms +22dBu
FX SND RCA and
1/4” TRS Jacks
Performance
Distortion Main Mix out
100 ohms -2dBu
1 ohm
+10dBu
Noise 22-22Khz Main Mix out
Fader shut off Channel fader
Xfade shut off Xfader
Frequency
Response
Dimensions unity -85dBu un-weighted
>-80dB
>-80dB
10Hz to 50kHz +/-0dB
Weight
+19dBu
200mW RMS into
30 ohms
0.01% THD+N
2.7kg (6lb)
Weight Packed 4kg (8.8lb)
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BLOCK DIAGRAM
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PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Registering your product
Please go to www.allen-heath.com/register.asp and register your product’s serial number and your details.
By registering with us and becoming an official Registered User, you will ensure that any warranty claim you might make is actioned quickly and with the minimum delay.
Alternatively, you may either copy or cut off this section of the page, fill in the details, and return it by mail to:
Allen & Heath Ltd, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9LU, UK
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