Nady SPM-4250 4-Channel Stereo Powered Mixer manual

O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L

SPM-4250

4-Channel Stereo Powered Mixer

SPM-4250

4-Channel Stereo Powered Mixer

Congratulations on your choice of the NADY AUDIO

SPM-4250 Stereo Powered Mixer — you have purchased one of the finest stereo powered mixing units on the market today. This unit was developed using the expertise of professional sound engineers and working musicians. You will find that your new SPM-4250 has superior performance and greater flexibility than any other stereo powered mixer in its price range. Please read this manual carefully to get the most out of your new unit.

Thanks for selecting NADY AUDIO as your choice in stereo powered mixers.

FEATURES

• 4 Mono input channels with balanced XLR Mic and 1/4” unbalanced line inputs, switchable +48V phantom power

• Fan-cooled, bipolar amplifier— 2 x 125W RMS @ 4 ohms (1% THD) both channels driven

• Built-in Echo Effects DSP emulates plate, gate, room, hall, stadium reverbs

• Input controls, connections and indicators include Channel Gain controls, Peak LED’s, High, Mid, and Low EQ’s;

Channel EFF Send, Pan, and Main Volume controls

• 5 band master EQ; Aux Send and Return; Tape/CD In and Record Out stereo RCA jacks with Tape level control

• Stereo headphone output with separate volume adjust

• Internal shielded AC supply with 115V(60Hz)/230V(50Hz) select switch

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES ..................................................................................2

Date of Purchase _____________________________________

WARNING ....................................................................................3

Dealer’s Name _______________________________________

INSTALLATION ............................................................................4

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS .......................5

City _______________________________________________

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS ..........................8

State _____________________ Zip _____________________

Model # ____________________________________________ CONNECTION .............................................................................9

SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................10

NOTES .......................................................................................11

Serial # ____________________________________________

2

ATTENTION :

RISQUE dE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

WARNING

An equilateral triangle enclosing a lightning flash/arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure which may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

An equilateral triangle enclosing an exclamation point is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and service instructions in the literature enclosed with this unit.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using this electronic device, basic precautions should always be taken, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using the product.

2. Do not use this product near water (e.g., near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.).

3. This product should be used only with a cart or stand that will keep it level and stable and prevent wobbling.

4. This product, in combination with headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable.

If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

5. The product should be positioned so that proper ventilation is maintained.

6. The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat vents, or other devices

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

7. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product. Replace the fuse only with one of the specified type, size, and correct rating.

8. The power supply cord should: (1) be undamaged, (2) never share an outlet or extension cord with other devices so that the outlet’s or extension cord’s power rating is exceeded, and (3) never be left plugged into the outlet when not being used for a long period of time.

9. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall into, and liquids are not spilled through, the enclosure’s openings.

10. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel if:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged.

B. Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the product.

C. The product has been exposed to rain.

D. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.

E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

11. Do not attempt to service the product beyond what is described in the user maintenance instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

3

INSTALLATION

To ensure years of enjoyment from your NADY AUDIO SPM-4250 powered mixer, please read and understand this manual thoroughly before using the unit.

1. INSPECTION

Your NADY AUDIO SPM-4250 was carefully packed at the factory in packaging designed to protect the units in shipment.

Before installing and using your unit, carefully examine the packaging and all contents for any signs of physical damage that may have occurred in transit.

[Please note: Nady Systems is not responsible for shipping damage. If your unit is damaged, do not return to Nady, but notify your dealer and the shipping company (if shipped to you) immediately to make a claim. Such claims must be made by the consignee in a timely manner.]

2. SETUP ANd OPERATION

Parts of the unit can become very warm during use. This is normal during operation. Care should be taken to ensure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling. Also, do not place the SPM-4250 on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers, etc., or the unit may overheat in operation.

Although the unit’s chassis is shielded against radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided.

Please make sure that the power unit supplied is marked for the correct voltage in your area (120VAC/60 Hz or

230VAC/50 Hz). Power requirements for electrical equipment differ from area to area. In new installations and portable sound systems, or any situation in which the AC power is in question, it is wise to confirm the voltage and use the appropriate power supply unit before connecting it to power sources.

Europe (except UK): 230V, 50Hz

UK and Australia: 240V, 50Hz

USA and Canada: 120V, 60 Hz

For other areas, please check with local authorities.

When ready to operate, plug the AC cord into the power source. Make sure that the unit is turned off before connecting to the AC power source to avoid possible loud transients which can damage your speakers or your ears.

Power up the unit as noted on page 8.

4

FRONT CONTROLS ANd CONNECTIONS

(7)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(8)

(9)

(3)

(2)

(1)

5

CHANNEL SECTION

(1) MIC INPUT

This electronically balanced XLR input is designed to accept signals from any balanced or unbalanced low impedance (Low Z) microphone. The XLR jack is configured for: Pin1 = ground, Pin2 = positive (+), Pin3 = negative (-).

(2) LINE INPUT

This 1/4” input is designed to accept balanced or unbalanced line-level signals such as those from keyboards, drum machines, or samplers. If a balanced signal is to be connected to the line input, then a 1/4” TRS

(stereo) phone plug should be wired for: Tip = positive (+),

Ring = negative (-), Sleeve = ground.

(Note: Only the Mic or the Line input of a given channel should be connected at one time. Do not connect both at the same time.)

(3) PEAK LEd INdICATOR

The PEAK LED illuminates when a channel input is overloading. It detects the peak level after the

EQUALIZER CONTROLS (5) and will light just before clipping to warn that the signal is approaching overload.

You do not want the Peak LED to light except very intermittently. If it lights persistently, reduce the GAIN

CONTROL (4).

(4) GAIN CONTROL

The GAIN control adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs on each channel. This control can be adjusted to accommodate input signals from a wide variety of sources, from the high outputs of keyboards or drum machines to the small signal outputs of microphones. The best balance of S/N and dynamic range will be achieved if you adjust the GAIN control on each channel separately so that the maximum signal level can be input without distortion. While speaking, singing, or playing an instrument at maximum performance level, increase the GAIN control until the PEAK LEd (3) flashes, then turn down the GAIN control until the flashing stops.

(5) EQUALIZER CONTROLS

All input channels are fitted with a three-band EQ - HIGH,

MID, and LOW. All three bands have up to 15 dB of cut and boost, with a center detent for OFF. The frequency response is flat when all three EQ knobs are in the center detent position. The HIGH and LOW shelving controls have their frequencies fixed at 12 KHz and 90Hz respectively.

The MID control has a peaking response at 2KHz. The channel EQ is a valuable feature of the mixer as it allows the user to control the tonal characteristics of each channel separately. For example, boosting the LOW can fatten the

FRONT CONTROLS ANd CONNECTIONS

sound, add warmth to vocals, or extra punch to bass, drums and synths; the MID control can be used to define the midrange or bring out the vocals; and adjusting the HIGH control can provide a crisp sounding high end. Another very important, yet often overlooked technique is to use the EQ to subtract from the mix. Cutting the HIGH control can reduce unwanted sibilance, hiss, cymbals, or high frequency feedback, while attenuating the MID or LOW can also eliminate feedback or clear up a muddy sounding mix.

Cutting the HIGH and LOW, then pushing up the VOLUME

CONTROL (9) is equivalent to mid range boost!

[Note: Always reset a channel’s input GAIN CONTROL (4)

(or external device’s output level) after altering the amount of equalization.]

The key to successful equalization is to avoid excess. Too much equalization on the input channels will result in a mix that is smeared together with nothing specifically defined.

During rehearsals, experiment with the equalizer controls on various instruments, vocals and combinations of these mixed together to become familiar with various equalizer settings.

(6) PFL CONTROL

The PFL (pre-fader listen) control adjusts the volume of the mono signal sent to the HEAdPHONES (22) provided the master section PFL SWITCH(23) is enabled. The signal is post EQ (5) and independent of the channel VOLUME (9) or EFFECTS (7). Adjusting the PFL never affects the AUX

SENd (18), RECORd OUT (20), or SPEAKER OUTPUTS

(26). This is useful if the person operating the SPM-

4250 wants to listen to one or more of the input signals, especially, to troubleshoot problems without affecting the main mix. The PFL controls can also be used to set a sub mix which can be output from the HEADPHONES jack and sent to an external recording device, mixing board, or power amplifier.

(7) EFFECT CONTROL

The EFFECT control adjusts the signal level sent by each channel to the internal ECHO EFFECTS DSP (Digital

Sound Processor).The EFFECT controls are mono and post Channel EQ and post Volume. The signal level sent to the EFF bus will be affected by the channel Volume setting but not the PAN control. This control also adjusts the level of the signal sent to the AUX SENd (18).

(8) PAN CONTROL

The PAN positions the output of the channel in the stereo field of the Master output.

(9) VOLUME CONTROL

This adjusts the channel signal level that is sent to the master section. This control also adjusts the level of the signal sent to the AUX SENd (18).

6

(12)

(13)

(16)

(14)

(15)

(21)

(18)

(19)

(10)

(17)

(11)

(23)

(24)

(22)

(20)

FRONT CONTROLS ANd CONNECTIONS

MASTER SECTION

(10) POWER ON/OFF SWITCH

This switch turns the unit on and off. The SPM-4250 uses relays to ensure quiet turn-on and turn-off.

(11) 48V PHANTOM POWER LEd

Lights to indicate when 48V phantom power is turned on.

(12) ECHO EFFECTS dISPLAY

This numeric Effects Display will indicate which of the 16 echo presets has been selected.

(13) ECHO TIME SELECT BUTTONS

Use these UP and DOWN buttons to select one of 16 preset time intervals of the built-in Echo Effects DSP

(Digital Sound Processor). Setting 1 selects the shortest echo time to emulate plate and doubling effects whereas setting 16 enables the longest echo time for stadium reverbs and delay sounds. Settings around 4 - 7 emulate room and hall reverbs by adjusting the ECHO dEPTH

CONTROL (14) to approx ten o’clock and the ECHO

LEVEL CONTROL (15) to mid.

(14) ECHO dEPTH CONTROL

This adjusts the number of repeats and feedback/depth of the echo effect selected. Turning the control clockwise sets the repeats to maximum for lengthy echoes or plate effects. Turning the control counter-clockwise sets one repeat for single delay or doubling effects.

(15) ECHO LEVEL CONTROL

This adjusts the level of the effected signal sent to the master mix bus.

(16) 5-BANd GRAPHIC EQ

The 5-band graphic equalizer allows you to adjust the frequency response of the left and right master bus signal, allowing final tonal adjustments. This provides a maximum of 12dB cut or boost from the flat position for each frequency band; 63Hz/250Hz/1KHz/4KHz/12KHz. The faders can be adjusted to easily eliminate feedback at the corresponding frequency. These EQ’s are pre MASTER

VOLUME.

(17) LEd OUTPUT METER

The 5-stage stereo output LED meter display the can be used to maintain proper levels in the master mix. The red

PEAK LED will light when the output signal is just below clipping. It is acceptable if the red LED lights occasionally.

If the red LED lights more than occasionally, you should turn down the MASTER VOLUME (24) to avoid audible distortion and clipping, which can cause damage to your speaker and even the internal amplifier.

(18) AUX SENd JACK

The AUX SEND JACK provides a mono mixed signal output from each input channel to an external effects unit or other device. The signal level is adjusted by the EFF and Volume controls of each channel.

(19) AUX RETURN

This input can be used to return the effected signal into the SPM-4250 or it can be used as an auxiliary input for line level devices. The input signal can be adjusted using the MASTER VOLUME (24) and the output volume of the external unit.

(20) TAPE INPUT / REC OUTPUT JACKS

The Left and Right TAPE INPUT RCA jacks allow cassette recorders, CD players, or MP3 players to be added to the master mix output. These signals are affected by the TAPE

LEVEL (21), MASTER VOLUME (24), and 5-BANd EQ

(16). The RECORD OUTPUT Left and Right RCA jacks provides signal output to recording devices, home audio equipment, or external amplifiers. These outputs are post

MASTER VOLUME and 5-BAND EQ.

(21) TAPE LEVEL

This adjusts the amount of TAPE IN signal that is sent to the master bus.

(22) HEAdPHONES CONROL ANd JACK

This control and corresponding 1/4 output is for connecting headphones to the SPM-4250 to monitor each channel, or the master mix, dependant on the MASTER PFL (23) setting.

(23) MASTER PFL SWITCH

When this push-button switch is out, the HEADPHONES receive the main mix signal post 5-BAND EQ / pre-

MASTER VOLUME. When the button is depressed, the signal is sent from each channel PFL control to the

HEADPHONES. In this setting, the HEADPHONES jack can also be used as a sub-mix output.

(24) MASTER VOLUME

The MASTER VOLUME sets the level of the stereo signal sent to the internal power amplifiers.

7

REAR CONTROLS ANd CONNECTIONS

(25)

(29)

(28)

(27)

(26)

(25) PHANTOM POWER ON/OFF SWITCH

When this switch is depressed, +48V of phantom power will be supplied to the XLR mic inputs.

(26) SPEAKER OUTPUT JACKS

The left and right 1/4” speaker outputs can deliver up to 125W RMS per side to 4Ω loads.

(27) POWER CONNECTOR

The IEC socket is used to connect the power cord to an AC power source.

(Caution: Do not remove the center grounding pin.)

(28) FUSE COMPARTMENT

Replace with only the same type fuse as listed in the SPECIFICATIONS. If it blows continuously, do not use the unit and have it serviced by qualified personnel.

(29) AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

Before plugging in the power cord, check to see that the unit is set for the proper voltage for your area: ~115V (60Hz) or

~230V (50Hz).

8

CONNECTIONS

This NADY AUDIO mixer uses 4 different types of audio connectors for the various input/output connections: (1) XLR balanced; (2)

1/4” TRS phone jacks for balanced, unbalanced, stereo, or in/out inserts; (3) 1/4” TS unbalanced; (4) RCA pin unbalanced

Figures

1. Balanced XLR input connections

2. Stereo headphone connection with 1/4” TRS plug

3. 1/4” mono (TRS) plug used as unbalanced input/output

4. 1/4” stereo (TRS) plug used as balanced input/output

5. RCA pin plug for unbalanced input/output

9

SPECIFICATIONS

1. INPUT SECTION

Input Connector Input Impedance

MONO CH MIC

MONO CH LINE

AUX RETURNS

TAPE IN

XLR BALANCED

1/4” TRS BALANCED

1/4” TS BALANCED

RCA JACKS

3.5K Ω

30KΩ

15KΩ

15KΩ

2. OUTPUT SECTION

Output Connector Output Impedance

AUX SENd

TAPE OUT

1/4” UNBALANCED

RCA JACKS

100 Ω

1K Ω

Max Level

-15dBv

+11dBv

+10dBv

+10dBv

Max Level

+7dBv

+22dBv

3. MIXER SECTION

Frequency Response .....................................................................................................................................................................30Hz~18KHz (-3dB)

THD ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................0.12%

S/N RATIO .............................................................................................................................................................................................................-84dB

NOISE FLOOR ...................................................................................................................................................................................................0.25mV

HIGH EQ ±15dB ...................................................................................................................................................................................................12KHz

MID EQ ±15dB .......................................................................................................................................................................................................2KHz

LOW EQ ±15dB ......................................................................................................................................................................................................90Hz

4. POWER AMP SECTION

POWER OUT

8Ω BOTH CHANNELS DRIVEN ................................................................................................................................................. 105W RMS per side

4Ω BOTH CHANNELS DRIVEN ................................................................................................................................................. 125W RMS per side

FREQUENCY RESPONSE ..........................................................................................................................................................<10Hz~20KHz (-3dB)

5. GENERAL

POWER REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... Voltage selectable, 115VAC/60Hz or 230VAC /50Hz

FUSE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................5A 250V FB @ 115VAC; 2.5A 250V FB @ 230VAC

WEIGHT ............................................................................................................................................................................................18.65 lbs. (8.6 Kg)

DIMENSIONS ................................................................................................................................17.4” x 10.5” x 10.3” (44.2 cm x 26.7 cm x 26.2 cm)

The specifications above are correct at the time of printing of this manual. For improvement purposes, all specifications for this unit, including design and appearance, are subject to change without prior notice.

10

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Nady Systems, Inc. warrants to the original consumer purchaser that the unit is free from any defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase. If any such defect is discovered within the warranty period, Nady Systems, Inc. will repair or replace the unit free of charge, subject to verification of the defect or malfunction upon return to Nady Systems. Please do not return your Nady product to the store where it was purchased as

Nady Systems handles your warranty service directly. Communication with our Service Department is the most efficient means of servicing your unit and we are dedicated to keeping you a satisfied customer.

To the extent permitted by law, any applicable implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness are hereby limited to one year from the date of purchase. Consequential or incidental damages resulting from a breach of any applicable express or implied warranties are hereby excluded. This warranty is in lieu of all other agreements and warranties, general or special, express or implied and no representative or person including a Nady dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to assume for us any other liability in connection with the sale or use of this Nady Systems’ product.

Whereas some states do not allow limitations on how long implied warranties last, and do not allow exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

This warranty is subject to the following conditions:

1) This system must have been purchased from an authorized Nady dealer and all warranty service must be performed by

Nady’s service department. Any service not performed by Nady will automatically void this warranty.

2) Items not covered: physical damage resulting from improper handling of the unit in transit from the factory by the shipper (Nady Systems is not responsible for such damage and all such claims must be made against the shipping company by the consignee); defects caused by normal wear of the product (expendable parts are typically connectors, cables, potentiometers, switches and similar components); damage or defects caused by abuse, neglect, accident, failure to connect or operate the unit in any way that does not comply with applicable technical or safety regulations, or improper repair, excessive heat or humidity, alteration or unreasonable use of the unit, causing cracks, broken cases/housings or parts; damage caused by leaking batteries; finish or appearance items; items damaged in shipment en route to Nady

Systems, Inc. for repair. The warranty is null and void if any Nady serial number has been removed or defaced.

How To Obtain Service:

1) If factory service is required, you must contact our Service Department at (510) 652-2411 for a return authorization (RA) number. Make sure the RA number is clearly marked on the outside of your package. (Please note: if an RA number is not included, our shipping department cannot accept your package.)

2) Send the unit back to Nady Systems, 6701 Shellmound Street, Emeryville, CA, 94608, freight pre-paid.You must include proof of date and place of purchase (i.e., photocopy of your bill of sale) or Nady cannot be responsible for repair or replacement. Nady Systems, Inc. will not repair, nor be held responsible, for any units returned without proper identification, return address, and RA number clearly marked on the package.

3) Per the above, Nady will perform all warranty service and return the unit to you at no charge. Nady Systems will inform the buyer if product sent in does not meet the terms of this warranty and will provide a quote for fixing the unit and/or shipping it back exclusively at the buyer’s expense.

11

SERVICE FOR YOUR NAdY AUdIO PROdUCT

In the U.S. If you are experiencing operational problems with your system, please refer to the Support page at www.

nady.com for assistance. Should your wireless system require service, please contact the Nady Service Department at (510) 652-2411 for a Return Authorization (R/A) Number and service quote (if out of warranty). Make sure the R/A

Number is clearly marked on the outside of the package that you are returning.

If your unit is out of warranty, please enclose a cashier’s check or money order (or pay by credit card) per instructions by the Nady Service Department. Ship your unit prepaid to: Nady Systems, Service Department, 6701 Shellmound

Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. Include a brief description of the problem you are experiencing. For service of a unit under warranty, please follow the instructions in the following section.

Outside the U.S. For service or warranty matters please contact the Nady distributor in your country through the dealer/store from which you purchased this product.

do not attempt to service this unit yourself as it can be dangerous and will also void the warranty.

NADY SYSTEMS, INC. • 6701 SHELLMOUND STREET, EMERYVILLE, CA 94608

Tel: 510.652.2411 • Fax: 510.652.5075 • www.nady.com