CX Zoner Installation & User Guide Cloud Electronics Limited 140 Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 3HF England Tel +44 (0)114 244 7051 Fax +44 (0)114 242 5462 e-mail info@cloud.co.uk web site http://www.cloud.co.uk
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 1 Contents CX Zoner User Guide Section Page 1 Introduction...2 2 Operation...2 3 Inputs...2 4 Level Controls...2 5 Mono Switch...2 6 Signal Present LED s...3 7 Outputs...3 8 Input and Output Wiring...3 9 Earthing...3 10 Security Cover...3 11 Installation...4 12 Supply Voltage Adjustment...4 13 Typical Distortion Performance...5 14 Typical Frequency Response...6 15 Technical Specification...7
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 2 1. Introduction The Cloud CX Zoner has been designed to extend the line level output facilities of any sound mixer. It is particularly useful in a modern complex discotheque sound system and when used in conjunction with the Cloud CXM mixer, full control of the microphone and music levels in five zones can be achieved. The technical performance of the CX Zoner is impressive and can be relied upon to preserve the integrity of the audio signal. Whilst it is fair to say that the CX Zoner was designed to compliment the CXM mixer, it should not be regarded as a dedicated unit. It can be used to reliably interface any mixer with any sound system. Typical uses other than extending the output facilities of the CXM are where signals from a disco mixer share the same amplification as a PA mixer or perhaps where two disco mixers are used as part of one system. 2. Operation The CX Zoner has two stereo pairs of balanced, line level inputs. Each of these stereo inputs can be mixed from zero to +10dB of gain on any of five zones. The front panel level controls have a centre detent at unity gain (0dB). All the inputs can be operated in the unbalanced mode without signal loss and all five zones can be switched to mono if required. Visual indication is provided on the front panel for signal presence and all switches illuminate when active. The front panel artwork has a provision to mark each zone with the area it controls. 3. Inputs All inputs feature an electronically balanced input stage which has a high common mode rejection and generous headroom. The nominal input sensitivity is 0dBu (775mV) for all the inputs. Because the CX Zoner has an excellent signal to noise ratio, the nominal signal can be reduced by up to 20dB without incurring excessive noise. 4. Level Controls The stereo level controls operate from infinity at the fully anti-clockwise position to 10dB of gain at the fully clockwise position with the centre detented central position giving unity gain (0dB) Individual level controls are provided for Line1 and Line2, and the mixed stereo signal is routed to the respective output circuitry. 5. Mono Switch All 5 zones have a provision to operate in the mono mode by simply operating the mono switch. The push button will illuminate when switched to mono mode and both channels will be linked, without signal loss. The respective left and right outputs will both operate with mono signals present and either or both sockets can be used.
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 3 6. Signal Present LED's The presence of an input signal on the four input sockets is indicated on the front panel by four green LED's, each one indicating its respective input. The LED's illuminate when input signals exceed a level of -20dBu (77mV). 7. Outputs Each zone has a balanced output, using 3 pin male XLR type connectors, that can operate into loads as low as 600Ω. The nominal output level is 0dBu (775mV) but the mixer can operate with a wide range of signals up to a maximum output level of +20dBu (7.75V). A female 3 pin XLR connector will be required to terminate the output socket. For balanced interconnections, 2 core screened cable should be used. Connect the screen to pin 1. Pin 2 is the in-phase signal (normally red) and pin 3 is the reverse phase signal (normally blue or black). If you wish to connect any zone output to an unbalanced input, connect the cable screen to pin 1 of the XLR type connector with the hot connection (inner core) connected to pin 2. Make no connection to pin 3 8. Input and Output Wiring Wherever possible, all the input and output wiring should be wired in the balanced configuration using twin screened cable. This will give a high degree of immunity from mains or air borne interference and reduces the risk of earth loop hum caused by multiple earths on unbalanced systems. 9. Earthing The CX Zoner must be earthed. The metal case is connected directly to mains earth, but the technical or signal earth is connected to the mains earth via a resistor and capacitor and should not give rise to any earth loops. To help reduce problems associated with earth loops, it is suggested that the cable screen (pin 1) is only connected at the receiving end of any signal cable. To maintain the integrity of the phase of the signals, connect pin 2 at one end of the cable, to pin 2 at the opposite end and similarly with pin 3. These benefits can only be achieved in the balanced mode. If a system hum is evident, never disconnect the mains earth. Try switching any ground/earth lift switches or connect all ancillaries to a common mains earth. If in doubt, earth everything and operate in the balanced mode as detailed above. 10. Security Cover The CX Zoner is supplied with a security cover. This is obviously intended to preserve the initial settings where the zoner may be accessible and there is risk of unauthorised adjustment. This cover can be fitted first by installing the two M3 threaded pillars in the centrally positioned holes on the front panel. The cover can then be fitted using the tamperproof screws provided. The two fixing screws are recessed and if necessary, a signed, dated self adhesive label can be fitted over one or both screws to further discourage adjustment. A perspex window is provided to maintain visual indication of mains power and signal presence.
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 4 11. Installation This unit can be fitted in a standard 19" rack and occupies 1U of space (44mm). Care should be taken to position the unit away from high magnetic fields that can radiate from certain high power amplifiers as this may reduce the normally excellent signal to noise ratio. It is also good practise to install the unit in a position with adequate ventilation and not subject to abnormally high temperatures. 12. Supply Voltage Adjustment The CX Zoner is normally supplied to operate with a supply in the range of 220-240V AC at 40 to 60Hz and is fused with a T100mA fuse. The PCB can be configured to operate with a supply of 110 to 120V AC at 40-60Hz with a fuse rating of T200mA. This modification must only be carried out by a competent engineer and further details are available in the service manual.
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 5 13. TYPICAL DISTORTION PERFORMANCE
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 6 14. TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
CX ZONER USER GUIDE 7 15. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Input Impedance Nominal Input Maximum Gain Nominal Output Maximum Output Minimum Output Load Frequency Response >10KΩ 0dBu (775mV) 10dB 0dB +25dBu 600Ω 20Hz - 20KHz ± 0.1dB Distortion (+10dBm) 1KHz <0.004% 20Hz - 20KHz <0.008% 80KHz Bandwidth Noise (ref 0dBu) Crosstalk -95dB CCIR-ARM typ -94dBA typ -75dB 1KHz typ This product conforms to the following European Standards BS EN 50081-1 : 1992 BS EN 50082-1 : 1992 BS EN 60065 : 1994 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS CAUTION - MAINS FUSE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE THE MAINS FUSE ONLY WITH THE SAME TYPE, WHICH MUST BE A CLASS 3, 240 VOLT, TIME DELAY TYPE, RATED AT 100mA WHERE THE MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE IS SET TO 230 Volts AC. FOR A MAINS VOLTAGE OF 115 Volts AC. THE FUSE SHOULD BE RATED AT 200mA THE FUSE BODY SIZE IS 20mm x 5mm. CAUTION - SERVICING THIS UNIT CONTAINS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO. WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 16/01/01