At-Mx351 Smartmixer: Automatic Mixer
At-Mx351 Smartmixer: Automatic Mixer
At-Mx351 Smartmixer: Automatic Mixer
Automatic Mixer
Features . ....................................................................................................................................5
Front Panel . ...............................................................................................................................6
Rear Panel ..................................................................................................................................7
Specifications ..................................................................................................................15
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harm-
ful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
DO NOT OPEN NE PAS OUVRIR
To prevent electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Internal adjustments are for qualified professionals only. Refer all servicing to qualified ser-
vice personnel.
Pour prévenir un choc électrique, ne pas ouvrir le couvercle. Il n’y aucune pièces de rechanges
à l’intérieur. Tout ajustement interne doit être fait par une personne qualifié seulement.
Référez tout réparation au personnel qualifié.
Caution/Avis:
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Pour prévenir feu ou choc électrique, ne pas exposé l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
Caution/Avis:
For continued protection against fire hazard, replace only with same type/rating of fuse.
Pour poursuivre la protection contre le feu, replacez la fusible de même type/cote.
Warning/Attention:
There are some sharp edges inside. To reduce the risk of injury, do not remove cover.
Bord tranchant à l’intérieur. Pour réduire le risque de blessure, ne pas ouvrir le couvercle.
What is a SmartMixer?
The AT-MX351 SmartMixer® is a microprocessor controlled, automatic switching, five-channel
mixer.
The four microphone inputs are XLRF-type balanced, with 48-volt phantom power available on
pins 2 and 3. The Aux input is an RCA jack accepting auxiliary-level input from sources such
as tape decks and VCRs. There is no signal processing of the Aux input. The mixer output is
XLRM-type balanced, non-inverting.
All AT-MX351 and AT-MX341a SmartMixers can be daisy-chained via the included
AT8325/1.0 Link Cable and special connectors on the rear panel. The control bus and the
audio are carried between mixers by the link cable. The result is that all microphones on a
multi-mixer system can be controlled by one microphone connected to any mixer. Since all
of the mixers are independently powered, there is no practical limit to the number of
SmartMixers that can be daisy-chained.
Features
The AT-MX351 provides an independent gain control on the front panel for each input channel.
Substantial gain reserve and adjustment range permit microphones of widely differing sensi-
tivities to be used together successfully. Automatic threshold setting on all mic/line channels
ensures proper gating levels for existing ambient sound conditions.
Priority Pre-select
To custom-tailor conferencing needs, the mode of each microphone channel can be indepen-
dently switched via the front panel “Priority Pre-select” DIP switches. The combination of
switch settings results in three different modes of priority selection/operation.
In any of the three modes of operation, when everyone stops talking, the last microphone “on”
will remain “on.” In a teleconferencing, recording, or broadcast application, this feature will
provide continuous room ambience. This feature is cascaded throughout all linked mixers so
that only one microphone in the entire system will remain on.
When a microphone is “off,” its input is only attenuated. This attenuation is factory set at
8 dB. The amount of “off ” attenuation can be internally adjusted between 6 dB and 40 dB if
desired. (See page 12, “Adjusting ‘Off ’ Attenuation.”)
If automatic switching is not desired, a “manual” DIP-switch setting on the front panel bypasses
the AT-MX351’s automatic switching and attenuation functions, causing the unit to behave
like a conventional mixer. In this mode, the relative level of each microphone is strictly a
function of the position of its respective front-panel gain control.
NOMA (Number of Open Microphones Attenuated)
The NOMA system helps control feedback by allowing for the increase in system gain that
occurs when the number of open microphones increases. A built-in matrix in the AT-MX351
recognizes exactly how many microphones are on and automatically adjusts the gain accord-
ingly. Because use of NOMA is not always appropriate or desired, the AT-MX351 is shipped
with the NOMA function switched off.
5
AT-MX351 Front Panel
1. Power switch.
2. Power “on” indicator.
3. Input Gain controls. Adjust inputs for microphone sensitivities and/or
operating conditions.
4. Selected Channel LED indicators. Indicate which channels are “on” or “active.”
5. Aux In control. Adjusts input for source output level and/or operating conditions.
6. Output Level LED meter. Indicates RMS output level of the mixer. “Zero” (0) level is
factory calibrated for an output of +4 dBm into 600 ohms (Master level control fully
clockwise). Can be set for peak output level indication via internal switch (see page 10).
7. Priority Pre-select switches (1-4). A switch in the “up” position assigns the respective
channel priority over the other channels. A priority channel can not be locked out by
other channels. Any combination of priority/non-priority selections is allowed.
8. Manual mode switch. Setting this switch in the “up” position bypasses all of the
SmartMixer’s automatic functions, except limiting and NOMA if selected.
9. Lockout LED indicator. Shows when lockout bus is active.
10. Master level control. Adjusts mixer output level for operating conditions.
11. Headphone output. 1/ ” TRS jack.4
3 5 6 10 12
Priority Pre-select
1 2 4 7 8 9 11
6
AT-MX351 Rear Panel
1. External Control connector. For TTL output, plus closure-control input for external
control of each channel.
2. Link In/Link Out. Provides for daisy-chaining of multiple mixers when more than four
microphones are used.
3. Line/Mic balanced output. Level can be changed via internal switch (see page 10).
XLRM-type connector.
4. Unbalanced line-level (–10 dBV) output. RCA jack.
5. Aux In. Unbalanced, line-level (–10 dBV), auxiliary input.
6. Preamp Outputs. Independent, unbalanced (–10 dBV), switchable pre/post-controller
outputs from mic channels.
7. Inputs. Balanced microphone inputs for low-impedance dynamic or condenser mics.
Can be changed to line-level inputs via internal switches (see page 10). XLRF-type
connectors. Can supply 48V phantom power via internal switches.
8. Power input. 120V/230V AC, 50/60 Hz. Select input voltage via switch on bottom panel.
2 5 6 7 8
Aux 3 1
in
-10 Pre-
amp
out
4 2
ExternalControl Link In Link Out Line/Mic Channel Input 4 Input 3 Input 2 Input 1 AC In
0/-50 Outputs -10
1 3 4
7
Installation and Setup
AT-MX351 SmartMixer setup tips:
1. Turn the Master level control to the minimum position. Proceed with steps 2-9.
2. Set all Priority DIP switches and Manual mode switch to “down” position.
3. Turn all four microphone Gain controls fully counterclockwise.
4. Connect the power cord to the mixer and plug into AC outlet. Be certain the voltage
switch on bottom of unit is set for the voltage of the outlet you are using.
5. Turn Power switch “on.” The mixer will perform a self-test and turn each microphone
“on” and “off ” consecutively.
6. Connect a microphone to Input 1 and turn the Gain 1 control to the “nine o’clock”
position. The channel 1 LED will light if the microphone is operational.
7. Adjust the Gain 1 control for proper meter indication when speaking into microphone
(peaks at 0).
8. Plug in up to three other microphones and adjust each respective Gain control for proper
meter indication.
9. Priority can be assigned to one or more microphones by moving the appropriate DIP
switch(es) to the “up” position. Any microphone(s) assigned in this manner cannot be
locked out by any other microphone.
10. “Manual” mode can be selected at any time by moving the right-hand DIP switch to the
“up” position. In this mode, the unit will behave like a conventional mixer (all automatic
functions are bypassed except for limiting and NOMA if selected).
11. Adjust the Master level control for desired output level. This control is at the last stage
in the mixer, and does not affect microphone gain, threshold setting, meter indication,
monitor or preamp outputs.
8
Mode 2…Priority Pre-select switches (1-4) Down
In this mode, only one mic at a time can be “on.” The lockout bus shuts down all other mics
until the first speaker pauses. As soon as the controlling microphone goes silent, the lockout
bus goes inactive and any other mic can come on. This switching takes place without any
syllable-grabbing delay, or pops or clicks. (This mode is known as “First-come-first-served”
or “Filibuster.”)
This mode is very useful when the gain setting of the overall sound system must be close to
the threshold of feedback, and additional microphones coming on could throw the system into
feedback. The SmartMixer will not allow multiple microphones to be on at the same time in this
mode. The switching is so fast and silent that the meeting can still be completely interactive.
Mode 3…One Priority Pre-select switch Up
The selected priority microphone can come on at any time and can mute any other mic that is
on (popularly called “The Chairperson” mode).
(Note that there may be special circumstances where two or three mics could be set to priority,
so those speakers could talk whenever desired, but still mute one or two non-priority mics.)
If multiple SmartMixers are used with AT8325/1.0 Link Cables, Priority Pre-select switches
on all channels in use will have the control effects described above.
The selected priority microphone(s) will mute only those non-priority microphones within the
same unit.
NOMA
The NOMA is factory set in the “off ” position. To turn on the NOMA function, unplug the unit,
remove the top cover and change the setting of the switch designated on the circuit board by
“SW25” (Figs. 4 and 5, page 11).
NOMA serves to maintain overall system gain by proportionately reducing amplifier gain as
the number of open microphones increases. In a sound reinforcement system, this can tend to
preserve the feedback margin and system stability. However, this action necessarily reduces
the sound level of each individual person speaking, which may not be desired. In the end,
use of NOMA often comes down to the preferences of the system’s designer and/or operator.
Generally speaking, use of NOMA is not desirable in applications such as teleconferencing,
recording or broadcasting.
Auxiliary Input
The Aux input is an RCA jack accepting auxiliary-level (–10 dBV) input from sources such as
tape decks and VCRs. There is no signal processing of the Aux input.
Preamplifier Gain
The SmartMixer has a substantial gain range, allowing it to accept a wide variety of micro-
phones. However, if in some instances higher-output microphones are used for close talking,
it may be necessary to reduce the preamplifier gain. This can be done by changing switch
settings inside the unit. With the unit unplugged from its AC source, remove the two screws
on each side of the unit and carefully lift off the top cover. Locate the internal switches
designated on the circuit board by “SW2,” “SW8,” “SW14” and “SW20” (Figs. 4 and 5, page 11).
A “control map” drawing will be found on the inside of the top cover. Changing the settings
of these internal switches will cause a gain reduction of 10 dB for channels 1, 2, 3 and 4
respectively.
9
The preamplifier gain may be reduced further, allowing the SmartMixer to accept line-level
sources. Changing the settings of the internal switches designated by “SW3,” “SW9,” “SW15”
and “SW21” will cause an input reduction of 50 dB for channels 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
Note that the appropriate internal switches can be used in combination for a total sensitivity
reduction of up to 60 dB for each channel.
Output Level
The SmartMixer’s output is factory set at line level. Should mic-level output be desired,
simply unplug the unit, remove the top cover and locate the switch on the circuit board
marked “SW26” (Figs. 4 and 5, page 11). Changing the setting of this switch will cause a
50 dB reduction in output.
Phantom Power
Each of the SmartMixer’s inputs supplies +48V DC phantom power. Should it be required
to disable the phantom power, simply unplug the unit, remove the top cover and locate the
switches designated on the circuit board by “SW1,” “SW7,” “SW13” and “SW19” (Figs. 4 and 5,
page 11). Changing the settings of these switches will disable phantom power on channels 1,
2, 3 and 4, respectively. Note that, although they do not require phantom power for operation,
most balanced-output dynamic microphones can be used without disabling the SmartMixer’s
phantom power.
10
Rear Panel
SW26
SW25
SW27
Front Panel
Line
Phantom 40 dB Phantom 40 dB Phantom 40 dB Phantom 40 dB
Outpu t SW26
SW1 SW2 SW7 SW8 SW13 SW14 SW19 SW20
Mic
Off 30 dB Off 30 dB Off 30 dB Off 30 dB
On
Meter
NOMA SW25 SW27
Peak RMS
Off
11
Adjusting ”Off” Attenuation
In instances when the number of microphones in use is high, it may be necessary to increase
the amount of “off ” attenuation per microphone to keep the total ambient noise level low.
There are “off ” attenuation adjustments inside the unit. To adjust the “off ” attenuation of
channel 1, unplug the unit, remove the top cover and locate the trimpot designated on the
circuit board by “VR3” (Figs. 4 and 5, page 11). It is factory set at approximately 8 dB, the
attenuation at the middle of the control’s rotation. When the control is turned fully counter-
clockwise, “off ” attenuation is approximately 20 dB. Conversely, when the adjustment is
turned fully clockwise, “off ” attenuation is approximately 6 dB. VR6, VR9 and VR12 control
“off ” attenuation for channels 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
Changing the settings of the switches designated on the circuit board by “SW5,” “SW11,”
“SW17” and SW23” will extend the range of “off ” attenuation to –40 dB for channels 1, 2, 3
and 4 respectively.
Preamp Outputs
Each microphone channel has an independent unbalanced preamp output that is separate
from the main mixer output. This is helpful when it is necessary to record the output of each
channel, whether or not it is the active mixer output (as is required, for example, in some
courtroom proceedings). As set at the factory, no gating is applied to these outputs. To gate
these outputs, unplug the unit, remove the top cover and locate the switches designated on
the circuit board by “SW6,” “SW12,” “SW18” and SW24” (Figs. 4 and 5, page 11). Change the
switch position(s) to “Gating” for channels 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 respectively, as desired.
Input Limiters
Independent, adjustable limiters are available on all mic channels. To adjust the limiter
threshold of channel 1, unplug the unit, remove the top cover and locate the trimpot designated
on the circuit board by “VR2” (Figs. 4 and 5, page 11). It is factory set at approximately 0 dB
RMS. When the control is turned fully counter-clockwise, limiter threshold is approximately
–10 dB RMS. Conversely, when the adjustment is turned fully clockwise, limiter threshold
is approximately +10 dB RMS. VR5, VR8 and VR11 adjust limiter threshold for channels 2, 3
and 4 respectively.
Changing the settings of the switches designated on the circuit board by “SW4,” “SW10,”
“SW16” and SW22” will turn off the threshold-limiting function on channels 1, 2, 3 and 4
respectively.
Force-on/Force-off
To activate force-on/force-off, install a closure between the appropriate pin and Ground
Reference on the External Control connector on back of unit.
12
Control Voltage Out
When a microphone channel turns “on,” as indicated by a Selected Channel LED on the front
panel, the channel’s associated Control Voltage Out goes “high” (+4 VDC). See chart on page
12 for pin connection. This signal can be used to light indicator lamps, switch speaker zones
on and off, select video cameras, etc. The control voltage should not be connected directly to an
inductive load such as a relay coil, as damage to the mixer may result. Several interface circuit
possibilities are shown in Figure 6 below.
40Ω CONTROL
VOLTAGE R
GND G
IN4001 RELAY
COIL
+ +
CV 10KΩ CV 10KΩ
2N3904 2N3904
G G
13
Daisy-chaining Mixers
When more than four microphones are needed, it is possible to daisy-chain multiple
SmartMixers together through the Link In/Out connectors on their back panels (Fig. 2).
Connect Mixer #1 Link Out jack to Mixer #2 Link In jack, etc. Mixer #1 output contains only
audio from the first four microphones; Mixer #2 output then contains audio from all the
microphones plugged into Mixer #1 and the microphones plugged into Mixer #2. The last
mixer in the chain contains audio from all preceding mixers. The combined output is then
taken from the last mixer in the chain. Because lockout information is passed between mixers
through Link In/Out, the last-microphone-on condition is not violated. Thus only one
microphone per installation will stay on when no one is speaking.
Note that one or more mixers can be switched to “Manual” mode without affecting the
automatic operation of any other mixers in the chain.
NOMA information is passed between AT-MX351 mixers through Link In/Out. If AT-MX351
mixers are linked with AT-MX341 and/or AT-MX341a mixers, the NOMA function will pass
through the AT-MX341(a) models but their mics will not be included in the NOMA calculation.
Rack Mounting
Provided with each mixer are two rack ears and six self-tapping screws to attach the ears to
the unit, which allow the unit to be mounted in a 1U rack space.
Security Caps
For permanent installations where microphone selections, positions and acoustic conditions
are constant, it may be advantageous to remove the front panel knobs and install security
caps to prevent unauthorized adjustments. To install, simply press the caps into place,
covering the desired control(s). The system should be tested carefully before installing the
security caps because they are intended to be “permanent” and are very difficult to remove.
If removal of installed security caps becomes necessary, unplug the mixer, remove the two
screws on each side of the unit and remove the top cover. Then remove the nine screws that
attach the front panel: six on top and three underneath. Remove the front panel. With the
panel removed, the two locking tabs on each security cap can be accessed. The cap can be
released by carefully squeezing the two tabs together.
14
Specifications †
Input Impedance
Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,000 ohms
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 ohms
Aux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 ohms
Link In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,000 ohms
Output Impedance
Balanced
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 ohms
Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 ohms
Unbalanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 ohms
Link Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 ohms
Preamp Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 ohms
Maximum Input Level
Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –24 dBV
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +27 dBV
Aux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +17 dBV
Maximum Output Level* . . . . . . . . . . . +22 dBm
Nominal Output Level (0 VU)*
Balanced
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +4 dBm (600 ohms), +4.4 dBV (open circuit)
Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –46 dBm (600 ohms), –44 dBV (open circuit)
Unbalanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –10 dBV (open circuit)
Preamp Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –10 dBV (open circuit)
Maximum Monitor Output . . . . . . . . . 700 mW, 20 ohm load
Maximum Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 dB
Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Hz to 22 kHz
Equivalent Input Noise1 . . . . . . . . . . . . –128 dBV (150 ohms) at maximum gain
Input Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 dB
Mic/Line Input Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 dB
Maximum NOMA Attenuation . . . . . ≈20 dB (up to 100 mics on simultaneously)
Microphone Phantom Power . . . . . . . +48V DC
Control Voltage Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +4V DC
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120V/230V AC (switchable), 50/60 Hz, 10W
Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.93” (430 mm) W x 9.38” (327 mm) D x 1.75”
(44 mm) H (including feet, knobs and connectors)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 lbs. 13 oz (3.1 kg)
Accessories Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC power cable, AT8325/1.0 Link Cable,
rack mount adapters, security caps
†
In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test
methods to other industry professionals on request.
* Master Level control at maximum (fully clockwise).
1
Input terminated with 150 ohms, A-weighted using Audio Precision System One.
15
One-Year Limited Warranty
Audio-Technica brand products purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
(A.T.U.S.) to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge or,
at our option, replaced with a new product of equal or superior value if delivered to A.T.U.S. or an authorized service center prepaid, together
with the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. Prior approval from A.T.U.S. is required for return. This warranty excludes defects
due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use product in accordance with instructions. This warranty is void in the event of
unauthorized repair or modification.
For return approval and shipping information, contact the Service Department, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow,
Ohio 44224.
Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law, A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any consequential, incidental, or special
damages; any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose expires when this warranty expires.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for warranty details.
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 330/686-2600