Operating Instruction Manual

TOA POWERED MIXER

Model MX-106R

TOA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

KOBE, JAPAN
Contents

General Description 2

Features 2

Front Panel [Names of components & their usage] 3

Rear Panel [Names of components & their usage] 4

Connection Examples 5

Input Connections 6

How to get a good mix 7

Block and Level Diagrams 8

Specifications 9

Characteristics Diagrams 10

Appearance 10

Precautions

1. XLR Type Audio Connector

The connectors are wired as follows.
The pin 1 is ground (shield), the pin 2 cold (low, minus), the pin 3 hot (high, plus).

2. Description of components and functions on the MX-106R.

Various descriptions are applied, depending on each manufacturer. In our
Operating and Instruction Manual explanation of components and functions is
made according to our usage for them.

— 1 —
 General Description

The MX-106R is a compact self-powered mixer with a wide array of sophisticated

features — many of them unavailable on any competitive models. An examination of
performance levels and specifications will reveal the truly professional nature of the
MX-106R. The rugged construction and specialized packaging ensure optimum
performance and reliability under even the most demanding "on the road"
applications.
The MX-106R features 6 input channels; 1 program, 1 foldback, and 1 effects output.
The internal power amplifier is rated at 120 watts into 8 ohms, 200 into 4, and 300 into
a 2 ohm load.
Each input channel features an electronically balanced XLR connector, and a high
impedance unbalanced 1/4" phone jack. An input trim control is provided to
accommodate a wide range of input source levels. A peak indicator LED detects
excessive input signal (either pre or post EQ), aiding in proper settings of the trim
control to avoid input clipping.
Each channel also features 3-band equalization, a "pre" foldback send, a "post"
reverb/effects send, and program level control.
The master control section features a one-octave (9-band) graphic equalizer, high and
low equalizer control of an internal reverberation unit, auxiliary input controls,
fluorescent high-intensity bargraph output meters, and a full patch bay with our
exclusive Bus-Link capability. All master level controls, and effects return to program
and foldback busses are also contained in this section.

Features

1. Six input channels 7. Power amp protection circuitry w/indicator

2. 300 watts RMS (@ 2 ohms) 8. Complete patch bay w/buss link

3. 9-band graphic equalizer w/bypass switch 9. Aux input w/pan and level controls

4. Auto Comp compression circuitry w/indicator 10. Reverb-effects return to PGM and FB

5. Built-in spring reverberation unit 11. Independent foldback mix

6. High intensity fluorescent bar graph metering

Each Channel
1. Input trim control w/ LED peak indicator

2. Pre EQ foldback send

3. 3-band EQ

4. Post effects send

5. Lo-Z balanced XLR input

6. Hi-Z unbalanced 1/4" input

— 2—
 Front Panel

Peak Indicator (PEAK) Input Trim Control (TRIM) Foldback Master Control (FB) Reverb/Effects Send Control
The peak indicator lights when The input trim a d j u s t s the gain The FB master control a d j u s t s (REV/EFF SEND)
the pre or post EQ signal level of the head-amp stage of the as- the overall combined signal This control a d j u s t s the overall
reaches 3dB below clipping, sociated channel, providing level of the six independent signal level of the effects mix
giving a visual reference for 39dB of gain control. When the channel foldback sends, and that is delivered to the internal
optimum setting of the trim con- trim control is set to the "10" thus the level of the entire on- reverberation u n i t , or to an
trol. position, the nominal i n p u t stage monitor mix. external effects device through
levels of the low-Z and high-Z the effects o u t p u t . The send con-
Foldback Control (FB) inputs are –55dB and –35dB re- Reverb/Effects to Foldback trol works in conjunction with
The Foldback control deter- spectively. At the "0" position Control (REV/EFF TO FB) the REV/EFF to PGM and the
mines the level of signal assign- the levels are –16dB and +4dB. This control adjusts the a m o u n t REV/EFF to FB controls to set
ed to the foldback mixing buss, The trim of each channel should of reverb/effects signal that is the overall level of reverb/
thus setting the level of that be adjusted so that the peak LED returned to the foldback buss effects in the main and monitor
channel in the on-stage monitor j u s t begins to light, or only and thus the level of reverb/ sound systems.
mix. flashes occasionally. This will e f f e c t s contained in the on-stage
ensure lowest distortion levels monitor mix. Reverberation Low Equalizer
High Equalizer Control and optimum signal to noise Control
(HIGH EQ) ratio. (REV LOW EQ)
The high EQ control alters the The low EQ control alters the
high frequency response of the low frequency response of the
input channel, providing ±13dB reverberation signal. The "0" de-
at 10kHz, and ±15dB at 20kHz of tented position provides flat
continuously variable active audio response.
shelving equalization. The "0"
detented position provides flat
audio response.

Middle Equalizer Control Reverberation High Equalizer

(MID EQ) Control
The mid EQ control provides (REV HIGH EQ)
±15dB of continuously variable The high EQ control alters the
active peaking equalization at high frequency response of the
2kHz. and has a flat audio re- reverberation signal. The "0" de-
sponse when set to the "0" tented position provides flat
detented position. audio response.
Low Equalizer Control
(LOW EQ) Graphic Equalizer In/Out
The low EQ control provides Switch (IN/OUT)
±13dB at 100Hz and ±15dB at Graphic Equalizer Buss Link Jack The in/out switch enables com-
50Hz of continuously variable (EQUALIZATION) (BUSS LINK) parison between a flat response
active shelving equalization. The graphic equalizer is 1/1 ( o u t ) and the equalized response
The "0" detented position pro- octave with 9 independent ac- Patching Jack (in). The "out" position com-
vides flat audio response. tive bands (filters), providing (PATCH BAY/IN) pletely removes the equalizer
12dB of boost or cut at each from the MX-106R circuitry.
Reverb/Effects Control center frequency. The "0" de- Patching Jack
(REV/EFF) tented position provides flat (PATCH BAY/OUT) Fluorescent Bargraph Peak
This control determines the audio response. Meters (PGM/FB)
level of signal assigned to the re- The high intensity meters enable
verb effects buss. Rotating the High Impedance Connectors Aux Panpot (AUX PAN) visual monitoring of the pro-
control clockwise increases the (HIGH Z) This control assigns the aux- gram and foldback output signal
amount of reverb effect in that These connectors are unbal- iliary input signal (a tapedeck, levels.
channel. anced, standard 1/4" phone etc., connected to the aux input
jacks with an input impedance jacks) to either the program or Power Amp Protection
Input Level Control of 50k ohms, and an input level the foldback mixing busses. At Indicator (PROTECT)
(INPUT LEVEL) of –35dB when the trim control the center position, the signal is The indicator LED lights if the
The level control provides con- is set to "10". When a plug is in- routed equally to both busses. power amplifier output is short-
tinuously variable adjustment serted into the high – Z input, the Panning from one side to the ed, if the temperature of the unit
of the channel output to the corresponding XLR connector is other gradually assigns the rises above acceptable levels, or
program mixing buss, thus deter- automatically switched out of signal to either independently. if DC is drifted to the speaker
mining the level of that channel the input circuitry. outputs. If the LED should light,
in the main sound system mix. speaker wiring and ambient
Since the reverb/effects signal is Program Master Control Power Amp Compression temperature of the MX-106R
"post" this control, an increase (PGM) Indicator (COMP) should be checked. If the LED
in the level of the channel's out- The PGM control adjusts the The Comp LED lights when the remains lighted, the unit should
put will also result in a cor- overall combined signal level of internal compressor is acti- be referred to qualified service
responding increase in the re- the six independent channel vated. The compressor is pro- personnel for repair.
verb effect of that channel. The level controls, and thus the level vided to protect speaker systems Note:
nominal level of the input level of the main sound system. by compressing the i n p u t signal The MX-106R protection cir-
control is at the "10" position. Reverb/Effects to Program level of the power amplifier cuitry will (1) detect 'faulty con-
Control when clipping occurs in the out- ditions' within the power amp-
(REV/EFF TO PGM) put stage. Frequent flashing of lifier, (2) give a visual indica-
Low Impedance Connectors the LED is not reason for alarm. tion, and (3) automatically shut
This control adjusts the amount
(LOW Z) of reverb/effects signal that is However, a constant or steady down until the fault condition is
The XLR connectors are low im- light indicates that the MX-106R alleviated. This special circuitry
returned to the program buss
pedance, electronically balanced and thus the level of reverb/ is being overdriven and that the ensures maximum reliability
inputs with an input impedance effects contained in the main internal power amplifier is and virtually eliminates equip-
of 1k ohms. sound system. possibily "under powered" for ment damage due to unsafe or
that application. The o u t p u t f a u l t conditions. Please refer to
level of the MX-106R should be f a u l t protection table on page 7
Aux Level Control (AUX) for f u l l explanation of this
This control sets the overall decreased u n t i l the LED only
flashes i n t e r m i t t e n t l y . important feature.
level of the Aux input signal.

— 3—
 Front Panel, Patch Bay & Buss Link

Power Amplifier Input Jack Effects Return Jack (EFF/RET) Graphic Equalizer Input Jack
(PWR AMP) The EFF/RET jack is provided to (GEQ)
AUX 1, AUX 2 Input Jack
The PWR Amp input jack allows connect an external effects The GEQ input jack allows the
(AUX 1, AUX 2)
the internal power amplifier to device to the MX-106R. When a graphic equalizer to be used in-
–20dB 10k
be used with external equip- plug is inserted the internal dependently of the MX-106R
ment. When a plug is inserted, reverberation unit is automati- with other external equipment,
Program Buss Link Jack
the power amp is automatically cally switched out of the MX- or the internal power amplifier
(PGM) (+4dB 22k )
disconnected from the MX-106R 106R circuitry, being replaced and the graphic equalizer with
mixer section. The nominal in- by the external unit. This jack external equipment. When a
Fold Back Buss Link (FB)
put level is +4dB with an input should be connected to the out- plug is inserted, the main mix
(+4dB 22k
impedance of 10k ohms. put of the external effects unit. from the program buss is discon-
Nominal input level is –20dB nected from the graphic equal-
Reverb/Effects Buss Link Jack
with an impedance of 50k ohms. izer and the power amplifier.
(EFF) +4dB 22k
Program Output Jack The nominal input level is +4dB
(PGM OUT) with an input impedance of 50k
The PGM Out jack is provided ohms. Buss Link Jacks
for connection to external equal- The buss link provides direct
izers and/or power amps, deriv- access to the PGM, FB, and ef-
ing its signal prior to the internal fects mixing busses, and is pro-
GEQ and power amp. Nominal vided for easy input expansion
output level is +4dB with an with additional MX-106R units
impedance of 600 ohms. or other auxiliary equipment.
All jacks have an input level of
+4dB with an impedance of 22k
ohms.

Effects Output Jack (EFF OUT) Foldback Output Jack Recording Output Jack
The EFF Out jack used in con- (FB OUT) (REC OUT)
junction with the EFF/RET Jack Graphic Equalizer Output Jack This jack is for connection to The Rec Out jack obtains its
allows use of an external effects (GEQ OUT) external power amplifiers and/ signal prior to the program
device in place of the internal This jack allows the MX-106R or equalizers for the on-stage master output, and is intended
reverberation unit. The effects and the internal graphic equal- monitoring system. Nominal for connection to external
out jack should be connected to izer to be used with an external output level is +4dB with an recording equipment. Nominal
the input of the external effect power amplifier, or in conjunc- impedance of 600 ohms. If the output level is –10dB with an
unit. Nominal output level is tion with the GEQ in jack, to be internal power amp and equal- impedance of 1k ohms.
–10dB with an impedance of 600 used independently of all other izer are to be used for the on-
ohms. MX-106R circuitry. Nominal stage monitor system, the FB
output level is +4dB with an output should be connected to
impedance of 600 ohms the GEQ input jack.

Rear Panel

Power Switch (POWER)

The power switch is a three-
position type with the middle Cord Wrap
position being the "off" position. The cord wrap is provided for
The MX-106R should be operat- convenient storage of the power
ed in the switch position which cord when the MX-106R is not in
produces the lowest amount of use.
system hum. Caution - The power cord should
always be completely removed
Speaker Jacks (SPEAKERS) from the cord wrap prior to
The speaker outputs are stand- operation of the unit. This will
ard 1/4" phone jacks wired in insure maximum cooling of the
parallel. Speaker cables (recom- MX-106R. For the same reason,
mend at least #18 gauge wire) adequate clearance should be
should be connected between maintained between the rear
the MX-106R and the speaker panel and any other surface (4-6
systems prior to applying power inches should do). The vents on
to the unit. the bottom and top of the MX-
Caution - The MX-106R should 106R are also provided for con-
never be operated into less than vection cooling. These vents
a 2 ohm speaker load. Earth Terminal (GND) should be kept clear and open.
Failure to do so may cause
AC Power Cord thermal shut-down of the unit.
The power cord is the three-wire AC Fuse
type with proper grounding faci-
lities.
Caution - The ground pin should utilized. Operation of the MX- Warning - To avoid possible ty. The MX-106R should always
not be removed under any cir- 106R with proper grounding equipment damage and/or per- be disconnected from AC outlet
cumstances. If the MX-106R techniques will result in less sonnel i n j u r y , the fuse should prior to changing fuses. If fuse
must be used without proper system noise and greatly reduc- always be replaced with same repeatedly fails, the unit should
grounding facilities, a suitable ed shock hazard. type and rating. Using improper be referred to qualified service
grounding adapter should be fuses will also void the warran- personnel for repair.

—4 —
 Connection Examples

SUB MIXER (MX-106R)

Low Z input should be connected Built in Power
with low impedance (50 ohm ~ 600 ohm) Amplifier for
microphones Foldback

From Speaker Jack

on Rear Panel

MAIN MIXER (MX-106R)

WIRELESS TUNER
SUCH AS WT-02,
WT-06

From Speaker Jack

on Rear Panel

Line Out
KEYBOARD

CASSETTE TAPE DECK

Line Out for recording

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

MAIN SPEAKER SYSTEM SPEAKER SYSTEM

for foldback

-5-
 Input Connections

Generally speaking, there are two rules to follow when connecting equipment outputs
to the inputs of other equipment.

1. Properly match the impedances of the outputs and inputs.

2. Connect low impedance outputs to high impedance inputs.

It goes without saying that not only input and output impedance matching but also
level matching should be taken into consideration. Each input channel of the MX-
106R is provided with an input TRIM control, so the usable signal level range is very
wide. Input impedances and levels are shown in the following table.

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
ACTUAL FOR USE TRIM SENSITIVITY MAX BEFORE
CONNECTION INPUT LOAD WITH POSI- (PGM OUTPUT CLIP INPUT CONNECTOR
IMPEDANCE NOMINAL TION LEVEL +4dB) LEVEL
50 TO 250 10 -55dBm (1.38mV) -34dBm (15mV)
CH1 LOW Z MICRO- XLR TYPE NC3F
PHONES 0 -16dBm (123mV) +1.7dB (0.94V)

50k OR 10 -35dBm (13.8mV) -14dBm (150mV)

CH6 HIGH Z 50k LOWER IMP PHONE JACK
LINES 0 -4dBm (1.23mV) +20dB (7.75V)

10k OR
AUX (1~2) 10k LOWER IMP, -20dBm (77.5mV) -2dBm (0.61V) PHONE JACK
LINES

50k OR
EFF/RET 50k LOWER IMP, +20dBm (77.5mV) -2dBm (0.61V) PHONE JACK
LINES

50k OR
GEQ 50k LOWER IMP, +4dBm (1.23V) PHONE JACK
LINES

10k 10k OR PHONE JACK

PWR/AMP LOWER IMP +4dBm (1.23V)

*Sensitivity is the level required to produce a program out level of +4dBm.

*0dBm is referenced to 0.775V RMS.

All XLR Type connectors are electronic balanced. Phone jack is unbalanced.

If the line going from one piece of equipment to another is long (more than 5m), we
recommend that balanced outputs be connected to balanced inputs.

As is described in the beginning of the Operating Instructions Manual, the connectors

of the MX-106R are wired as follows: Pin 1 is ground (shield). Pin 2 is cold (low,
minus). Pin 3 is hot (high, plus).

— 6—
 How to get a good mix

Before connecting other equipment to the Powered mixer, check the impedance and
level of both. If the impedances and levels do not match, mixing will be very difficult
and the S/N ratio will also be adversely affected.

Each input channel of the MX-106R is provided with a TRIM control. Thorough
understanding of the function of a TRIM control will make mixing easier.
Trim Control The function of the TRIM control is to
control the negative feedback volume of the
head-amp so that the gain of the head-amp
can also be changed. Because of this, enough
HEAD AMP Output dynamic range, even for high level signals is
Input ensured. Also, the S/N ratio will be better by
decreasing the gain of the head-amp.

For example, a keyboard, a musical instrument and a dynamic microphone with

output levels of –10dBm, –20dBm and –40dBm respectively are connected to the MX-
106R.

If the trim control is set as shown in the left

figure, the input level controls can be set to
the same position.

The input level controls are used in general

between 6 and 8.

The peak indicator LED illuminates if the

head amplifier or equalizer is clipping. The
gain of the head-amplifier must be
decreased by turning the trim control
counterclockwise.

Key Board in Musical Instrument in Dynamic

–10dBm level –20dBm level Microphone in
–40dBm level

Fault Protection Table

Fault Protection Indication Action Restoration

Excessive current due to Current limiter activates at Compressor Remove excessive lords. Automatic restoration
overloads. less than 1 ohm. LED illuminates. Minimum speaker loads 2- a f t e r normal loads are
ohm. obtained.

Short circuits Current limiter activates, Amp protection Check speaker Turn off power switch.
(less than 0.4-ohm) input signal is lowered, LED illuminates. lines/systems for shorts. Turn on into operational
unit shuts down. loads.

Temperature rise of heat Input signal is lowered. Amp protection Check for adequate Automatic restoration
sink Unit shuts down. LED illuminates. ventilation. after temperature
(more than 105° C) lowers (to 75° - 95° C)

DC drift Input signal is lowered. Amp protection Refer to qualified service Automatic restoration
Unit shuts down. LED illuminates. personnel. after normal bias is
regained.

— 7—
 Block and Level Diagrams

BLOCK DIAGRAMS

LEVEL DIAGRAM

— 8—
 Specifications

MIXER SECTION
Frequency Response Maximum Voltage Gain
+0, -3dB 30Hz~20kHz (HIGH Z input TRIM at "0" position.) INPUT to PGM out 59dB
INPUT to EFF out 45dB
INPUT to FB out 59dB
Total Harmonic Distortion INPUT to REG out 45dB
0.05% +4dBm at 1kHz. INPUT to GEQ out 59dB
AUX to PGM out 24dB
Hum and Noise (Open) EFF/RET to PGM out 24dB
Equivalent Input Noise –130dBm (20Hz ~ 20kHz)
Equivalent Input Noise –133dBm (IHF A) Equalization
All level Controls Minimum –102dBm (IHF A) 63Hz ±12dB Peaking 2kHz ±12dB Peaking
PGM Master at MAX and all 125Hz ±12dB Peaking 4kHz ±12dB Peaking
input level controls minimum –93dBm (IHF A) 250kHz ±12dB Peaking 8kHz ±12dB Peaking
PGM Master at MAX and one 500Hz ±12dB Peaking 16kHz ±12dB Peaking
input level control at MAX –72dBm (IHF A) 1kHz ±12dB Peaking

Peak Indicators
Red LED on each input channel LED's turn on at 3dB below
clipping.

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
ACTUAL FOR USE TRIM SENSITIVITY MAX BEFORE
CONNECTION INPUT LOAD WITH POSI- (PGM OUTPUT CLIP INPUT CONNECTOR
IMPEDANCE NOMINAL TION LEVEL +4dB) LEVEL
50 TO 250 10
CH1 LOW Z OPEN MICRO- XLR TYPE NC3F
PHONES 0 +1.7dB (0.94V)
50k OR 10
CH6 HIGH Z 50k LOWER IMP PHONE JACK
LINES 0 +20dB (7.75V)
10k OR
AUX (1~2) —— 10k LOWER IMP, — PHONE JACK
LINES
50k OR
EFF/RET —— 50k LOWER IMP, — +20dBm (77.5mV) PHONE JACK
LINES
50k OR
GEQ —— 50k LOWER IMP, — +4dBm (1.23V) ——— PHONE JACK
LINES

PWR/AMP —— 10k 10k OR — +4dBm (1.23V) ——— PHONE JACK

LOWER IMP

OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS
OUTPUT LEVEL
CONNECTION ACTUAL LOAD FOR USE WITH CONNECTOR
IMPEDANCE NOMINAL NOMINAL MAX. BEFORE
CLIP
PGM 600 600 OR HIGHER +4dB (1.23V) +20dB (7.75V) PHONE JACK
IMP. LINES
600 OR HIGHER
EFF 600 +10dB (775V) +8dB (1.9V) PHONE JACK
IMP. LINES
600 OR HIGHER
GEQ 600 IMP. LINES +4dB (1.23V) +20dB (7.75V) PHONE JACK
600 OR HIGHER
FB 600 +4dB (1.23V) +20dB (7.75V) PHONE JACK
IMP. LINES
REG 1k 1k OR HIGHER –10dB (7.75V) +8dB (1.9V) PHONE JACK
IMP. LINES

POWER AMPLIFIER SECTION

Frequency Response Input Sensitivity
+0, –1dB 5Hz to 40kHz (200W RMS 4 ) +4dBm (1.23V)
Rated Power & Load Input Impedance
300W RMS (2 ) 200W RMS (4 ) 120W RMS (8 ) 10k
Power Output at Clipping Output Connector
1% THD, 1kHz Phone Jack X2
348W RMS (2 ) 238W RMS (4 ) 140W RMS (8 ) Power Requirement
Total Harmonic Distortion 600 W 120V AC 50/60Hz
Less than 0.1% (200mW ~200W RMS, 20Hz~20kHz) Dimensions
Typically below 0.05% 585(W)×333(H)×302(D) (23.03×13.11×11.89) inch
Compresser Dynamic Range Weight
Greater than 26dB 21 kg (46.3 lbs)
Hum and Noise
At least 110dB S/N ratio, 20Hz~20kHz *0dBm is referenced to 0.775V RMS.
At least 113dB S/N ratio IHF-A weighted
Damping Factor *Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Greater than 200 (1kHz 4

— 9—
 Characteristics Diagrams

HIGH Z IN. TRIM/MIN. & INPUT EQ GEQ

POWER AMP POWER BAND WIDTH POWER AMP TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

POWER AMP COMPRESSOR

REVERBERATION FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Appearance

302 11.89" 585 23.03"

333 13.11"

— 10—
TOA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
KOBE, JAPAN

Printed in Japan
133-02-690-80