Dual Function Live Sound Console USER GUIDE Publication AP4512
Limited One Year Warranty This product has been manufactured in the UK by ALLEN & HEATH and 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.
Introduction This user guide presents a quick reference to the ML3000. We recommend that you read this fully before starting. Included is information on installing, connecting and operating the console, panel drawings, system block diagram and technical specification. For further information on the basic principles of audio system engineering, please refer to one of the specialist publications available from bookshops and audio equipment dealers.
Important Safety Instructions WARNINGS - Read the following before proceeding : CAUTION ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere to all warnings printed here and on the console power unit. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide and the power unit user guide. Do not remove covers: Operate the power unit with its covers correctly fitted.
Important Mains Plug Wiring Instructions. The power unit is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC mains power lead. Follow the instructions below if the mains plug has to be replaced.
QUICK START REFERENCE SHEET Copy this sheet to keep with the console for guest user reference. Using LCRplus™ FRONT -OF-HOUSE or MONITOR Mode PAN and BLEND = Two controls adjust the balance between L, R and C. MAIN MIX = Routes the channel to the main L,R,C mix. FOH MONITOR mode AUX MIX = LCR + BLEND # Configure the AUX1-4 and WEDGE underpanel mode switches using a pen or pointed object.
S YSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM Problems ? The channel is routed but there is no audio. If it is assigned to a VCA group check that the group fader is up. The audio groups do not work. Check the setting of the fader master 1-4 mode switches. The PAN control does not work. Check the setting of the BLEND control. The console takes a long time to power up. Check the rear panel slide switch. RS232 takes longer to boot than MIDI.
1 +48V 0 20 1 +6 2 100 OO 1k GRP/AUX reverse GRP/AUX reverse -15 +15 LEV LEV LEV 3 GAIN +6 2 +6 OO +6 3 OO +6 +6 OO OO +6 OO +6 +6 OO +6 L +6 L +6 OO AFL +6 OO AFL +6 R +6 OSC/NOISE OO +6 OO +6 18 ST1 ST3 ON ON OO +6 PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC OO +6 OSC/NOISE TO TB OO +6 OO +6 3 GAIN -3 3 GAIN 10 -6 18 10 -6 18 ST2 max L R 10 -6 ST4 ON ON R Disable AFL OO +6 OO +6 C 250 OO R 18 -3 4 OO 3 +6 3 4 -3 GAIN 10 -6 METER
ML3000 Key Features The Allen & Heath ML3000 is a small footprint, affordable VCA equipped dual function live sound console providing many of the features of its larger brothers the ML4000 and ML5000. It can be quickly configured for front-of-house (FOH) or stage monitor mixing. As one console suitable for both applications it is equally well suited to installation, rental and touring.
FADER MONO CHANNEL VCA GROUPS METER MUTE PEAK MUTE GROUPS SNAPSHOTS GAIN +48V PFL HPF PFL FILTER FREQ PAD + - INSERT VCA EQ IN PAN BLEND MIX LCR+ L MIX R MIX C MIX INPUT L 4 BAND EQUALISER LF LM HM R LR C HF PRE-FADE AUX OPTION LINKS POST-MUTE GROUP ASSIGN POST-EQ PRE-EQ 1-2 GRP 1 GRP 2 PRE-INSERT 3-4 PRE PRE PRE DIRECT OUT OPTION LINKS DIRECT OUT GRP 3 GRP 4 POST-FADE AUX1 AUX2 AUX3 AUX4 PRE-FADE AUX5 AUX6 AUX7 AUX8 POST-TRIM (AUX1 ONLY) STEREO FADER STEREO C
ML3000 BLOCK DIAGRAM GRP 1-4 AUX 5-8 TB ENABLE TB AFL FADER MATRIX AFL MODE (1-4 ONLY) MIX SL MUTE INSERT GRP TO VU METER MAIN MIX BLEND PAN L MIX R MIX C MIX LCR+ L R LR EXT.
Technical Specifications 0dBu = 0.775 Vrms, +4dBu = 1.23 Vrms Operating Levels Channels ......................................... 0dBu Headroom +21dB Mix .................................................. -2dBu Headroom +23dB Max XLR output .............................. +23dBu Frequency Response Referred to 1kHz at +4dBu Mic to main output (+40dB)............. 20Hz to 70kHz +0/-0.5dB Line to main output (0dB)................ 20Hz to 22kHz +0/-0.5dB Distortion @1kHz 0dBu THD+noise ..........................
The Range • ML3000-24 24 mono, 2 stereo inputs • RPS11 3U Power Supply Unit • ML3000-32 32 mono, 2 stereo inputs • RPSD2 Power Supply Combiner • ML3000-40 40 mono, 2 stereo inputs • 002-223 2.
Connecting the Power Supply R L DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT R L R L R L CHASSIS OUT IN DC POWER IN MIDI RS232 SELECT DC CABLE WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
Earthing The connection to earth (ground) in an audio system is important for two reasons: 1. SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage shock, and 2. 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.
Rear Panel Connections R L DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT INSERT R L INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT R L R L OUT DIRECT OUT INSERT INSERT MTX R L IN OUT MTX INSERT MTX INSERT MTX INSERT FADER FADER INSERT FADER INSERT FADER INSERT INPUTS FADER INSERT FADER INSERT FADER INSERT R L R L CHASSIS OUT IN DC POWER IN CONNECTIONS MIDI RS232 XLR 2 +IN LINE IN/OUT XLR 1
PUTS DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT SYS-LINK LOGIC SYS-LINK ( option ) MASTER ( from slave ) OUTPUT A AUDIO
19 0V (CHS) 18 L+ 17 R+ 16 GRP 1+ 15 GRP 2+ 14 GRP 3+ 13 GRP 4+ 12 AUX 1+ 11 AUX 2+ 10 AUX 3+ 9 AUX 4+ 8 AUX 5+ 7 AUX 6+ 6 PFL+ 5 4 nc 3 PFL DC 2 AFL DC 1 0V (PAFL) 19 0V (CHS) 18 C+ 17 AFL L+ 16 15 14 13 12 AUX 7+ 11 AUX 8+ 10 9 8 nc 7 nc 6 nc 5 nc 4 nc 3 nc 2 nc 1 nc 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 nc 23 nc 22 nc 21 nc 20 C- 37 AFL L- 36 35 34 33 32 AUX 7- 31 AUX 8- 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 nc 23 nc 22 nc 21 nc 20 LRGRP 1GRP 2GRP 3GRP 4AUX 1AUX 2AUX 3AUX 4AUX 5AUX 6PFL- Audio Connector Type
Gain Structure Matching the Console to Destination Equipment. The console produces a standard XLR output level of 0dBu for a meter reading of ‘0’. It can produce a maximum of +23dBu and is therefore well suited to driving equipment operating at nominal 0dBu or +4dBu while providing plenty of headroom. If you are connecting directly to a sensitive power amplifier it is advisable to turn down its input trim control if the normal console level is too high.
MONO INPUT and EQ +48V. Switches +48VDC to the channel input XLR for powering microphones or DI boxes that need phantom power. The power is current limited through 6800 ohm resistors to pins 2 and 3. +48V 0 PAD 40 20 20dB WARNING Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to inputs with phantom power selected. To avoid loud clicks always mute the channel before switching +48V on or off and when plugging or unplugging microphones. GAIN - 10 10 O 60 40 50 20 100 200 OFF 400Hz HPF GAIN.
EQUALISER. The channel equaliser provides adjustment of 4 independent frequency bands. Each has cut/boost and the mids have frequency sweep controls. HF and LF are shelving. HM and LM are peak/dip to affect the chosen band of frequencies. HF EQ +20 +15 +10 +5 HF The high frequency band has a shelving response that cuts or boosts the higher (treble) frequencies by up to 15dB. The shelf turning point frequency is 12kHz.
GROUP / AUXILIARY SENDS PRE AUX These controls send the channel signal to the audio groups 1-4 and aux sends 1-8. The layout is the same for both the mono and stereo channels. For the stereo channels the left and right signals are combined to feed the mono auxes. 1 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 AUX SEND 1-4. These rotary controls adjust how much channel signal is sent to the mono auxiliary outputs 1-4. The 0dB position is marked at 3 o’clock. An extra +6dB boost is available.
Internal Link Options Using the GRP/AUX Sends Several link options are available to satisfy user preferences. These require removal of the console base panels and replugging of 2way jumpers on the circuit boards. It is not necessary to remove assemblies from the console. To avoid damage to the internal assemblies this work should be carried out by competent technical personnel.
MAIN MIX and INPUT FADERS This section applies to both the mono and stereo channels. = LCR + BLEND LR = MAIN MIX C 1-2 PAN 3-4 L MAIN MIX. A single switch routes the channel signal to the 3 output main mix. Its balance and image within the L, R and C outputs is determined by the BLEND and PAN controls. R MUTE GROUP ASSIGN PFL BLEND. Adjusts the balance between the LR and C outputs. Fully anti-clockwise all the signal routes to the LR outputs and none to C.
PFL. Press this switch to listen to the channel prefade signal in the headphones or engineers monitor without affecting the main outputs. The signal is displayed on the main C LED bar and VU meters when PFL is active. To avoid confusion the L and R meters are turned off while PFL is active. PFL override AFL override monitor source. Pressing any input PFL automatically overrides any currently selected output AFL or monitor source. Releasing PFL restores that selection.
Using LCRplus The ML3000 LCRplus system extends signal imaging beyond conventional LR and LCR panning by allowing full 3 speaker balance and positioning from each channel and group. This satisfies the standard requirements of mono, stereo and conventional LCR speaker systems as well as providing a unique extended capability. The MAIN MIX. This comprises 3 outputs: L (left), R (right) and C (centre). How you use these depends on the type of sound system you are running.
L C R L C R L C R PAN L BLEND LR C L R PAN PAN L to C BLEND LR C L R PAN Positioning the Sound. Use the PAN and BLEND controls to position the sound within the LCR image. It is possible to dynamically move the sound using the two controls together but this is not a common requirement in real world systems.
STEREO INPUT and EQ -3 Two dual input stereo channels are provided to the right of the master section on the standard models. A further four are provided to the right of this on the optional ‘B’ version consoles. These extra four stereos replace the standard model mono channels. 3 GAIN 10 -6 18 GAIN Adjusts the input sensitivity to match the connected line level source to the internal 0dBu operating level of the channel. Provides a variable 24dB range from –6dB attenuation to +18dB gain.
Using the Dual Inputs. Using the Equaliser The 2 (6 optional) stereo channels let you connect up to 4 (12 optional) stereo sources. Two sources may be plugged into each channel strip. Either may be selected or both can be mixed together as a common source. The channel equaliser can be used to creatively enhance or correctively improve the tonal quality of the sound.
GROUP / AUX 1-4 and AUX 5-8 MASTERS GRP/AUX reverse LEV GRP/AUX reverse LEV +6 OO +6 OO AFL AFL MAIN MIX LCR + BLEND LR = = MAIN MIX LCR + BLEND C PAN LR = C In the up position FOH MODE is selected. This is the default setting for the front-of-house application. In FOH mode the fader master section and insert are associated with the audio group while the rotary master is associated with the aux send. In the pressed position MONITOR MODE is selected.
Configuring Groups and Auxes FADER MASTER A 60mm smooth travel fader is fitted providing +10dB gain above the nominal 0dB operating position. These faders control the output level of Group/Aux 1-4 and Aux 5-8. They are not part of the console VCA group system. TB ENABLE Press these switches to enable talkback to any combination of grp/aux master outputs.
MAIN MIX MASTERS C MAIN MIX WEDGE LISTEN WEDGE mode WEDGE MODE. This underpanel mode switch configures the C output to become the engineers monitor when the console is used for the stage monitor application. When pressed the monitor source is routed in mono through the C insert and fader to the main output. The C mix bypasses this section and is available from the matrix outputs if needed. The switch is protected to prevent accidental operation.
MATRIX Using the Matrix 1 1 OO +6 2 1 OO +6 2 OO +6 3 OO +6 4 +6 OO OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 +6 +6 OO +6 +6 +6 +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 C OO +6 LEV OO OO R C OO +6 L OO +6 LEV OO +6 R OO OO 4 OO +6 C LEV +6 L OO +6 3 OO +6 R C +6 4 OO OO 2 OO +6 L R +6 3 4 L OO 2 3 OO 1 LEV OO +6 OO +6 ON ON ON ON AFL AFL AFL AFL MIX CONTROLS Each of the 4 groups, L, R and C can be mixed into the matrix.
VCA GROUPS ASSIGN Assign MUTE and VCA groups: Select using GRP MUTE Assign using CH MUTES M U T E M U T E M U T E M U T E M U T E M U T E M U T E M U T E 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO VIEW Press and Hold with GRP MUTE View on channels VCA Groups Explained The benefit
Using VCA Groups Use audio groups where you want to insert group signal processing or send groups of signals to the matrix. Use VCA groups if you want grouped level control only. Route the channels to the mix by pressing the MAIN MIX switch. Adjust the PAN and BLEND controls for the image required. Assign the channel to the required VCA group using method described on the next page. The channel GROUP ASSIGNED LEDs next to the faders light channels are assigned to one or more VCA groups.
How to Assign and View VCA and MUTE Groups The same method is used to assign the VCA and MUTE groups. The groups are assigned or viewed one at a time. Pressing ASSIGN puts the console into assign mode. The channel mutes become edit keys to toggle them in or out of the groups. The ASSIGN and selected group master keys flash to warn that the console is in this mode. You can also view the group assignments using the quick ‘press and hold’ VIEW function without the risk of accidentally overwriting the settings.
MUTE GROUPS and SNAPSHOT MEMORIES M A S T E R M A S T E R M A S T E R M A S T E R M A S T E R M A S T E R M A S T E R M A S T E R ASSIGN Assign MUTE and VCA groups: Select using GRP MUTE Assign using CH MUTES VIEW Press and Hold with GRP MUTE View on channels Mute Groups Explained Snapshot Memories Explained A mute group lets you turn a selected combination of channels on or off with a single key press. The mute group key acts as a remote control for the assigned channel mutes.
HEADPHONES / LOCAL MONITOR and 2-TRACK - 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 + - 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 2TRK SOURCE Press this switch to listen to the 2-track input in the headphones, local, and engineers wedge monitors. The signal is fed in mono to the engineers wedge. This lets you check the output of a stereo recorder. This selection overrides any selected LR and C monitor source until released. It is itself overridden by P/AFL. The 2TRK source is not sent to the meters.
OSC/NOISE GENERATOR OSC/NOISE TRIM. Adjusts the level of the oscillator or noise signal from –30 to +10dB. OSC/NOISE TRIM OSC/NOISE SELECT. In its up position pink noise is selected as the generator source. Press to select the 1kHz test tone. Pink noise. This is a constant level random noise signal with equal energy per octave covering the full audio bandwidth. min max PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC OSC/NOISE TO TB Disable 1kHz Oscillator.
TALKBACK MIC INPUT. Top panel 3-pin XLR female socket for plugging in gooseneck microphone for the console talkback system. The input is balanced. MIC IN +48V TALKBACK TRIM min +48V. Press this underpanel switch to assign +48V to the XLR for microphones that require phantom power. To avoid loud clicks do not press the TALK TO TB switch while you are switching phantom power on or off, or plugging or unplugging the microphone. max TB TO LR TALKBACK TRIM.
The Meterpod 16 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 PFL AFL ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH ALLEN&HEATH L 16 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 16 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 R PHONES ALLEN&HEATH MATRIX ALLEN&HEATH MATRIX 1 ALLEN&HEATH MATRIX 2 ALLEN&HEATH MATRIX 3 MATRIX 4 C The Console Meterpod Meter Types The ML3000 continues the Allen & Heath tradition to provide full signal metering at key stages in the signal chain.
MIDI / RS232 MIDI Overview MIDI MIDI RS232 CH1-16 The ML3000 includes a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) port. Standard 5-pin IN and OUT sockets allow connection to external MIDI equipment such as computer show control systems, sequencers, instruments and data archiving devices.
HEX (cc) 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E 4F 50 51 Standard MUTE CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8 CH 9 CH 10 CH 11 CH 12 CH 13 CH 14 CH 15 CH 16 CH 17 CH 18 CH 19 CH 20 CH 21 CH 22 CH 23 CH 24 CH 25 CH 26 CH 27 CH 28 CH 29 CH 30 CH 31 CH 32 CH 33 CH 34 CH 35 CH 36 CH 37 CH 38 CH 39 CH 40 CH 41 CH 42 CH 43 CH 44 CH 45 CH 46 CH 47 CH 48 STEREO 1, 2 STEREO 3, 4 ML3000 User Guide 'B' versions 24
Archiving the Console Settings MIDI Dump Message Format The console settings can be saved to an external device such as a MIDI sequencer or data archiver using the dump out facility. Settings can be loaded back into the console using dump in. This is ideal when you want to archive the settings to use at a later date, for example a re-run of a previous performance.
Operating System Technical Support Operating Software Version Number Power Up and Power Down You can check the current version number of the ML3000 software running on the console using a PC connected via RS232. Instructions for this are provided on the Allen & Heath Internet site. The console settings are remembered when power is removed. On power up these settings are restored.
USER NOTES : 46 ML3000 User Guide
1 +48V 0 1 +6 2 100 OO 1k FOH MONITOR GRP/AUX reverse GRP/AUX reverse LEV LEV LEV +6 2 OO +6 3 +6 +6 OO OO +6 OO OO +6 +6 OO +6 +6 L OSC/NOISE OO +6 +6 OO AFL +6 OO AFL OO +6 C 250 OO +6 R OO +6 OO +6 18 ST1 ST3 ON PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC OO +6 OSC/NOISE TO TB OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 -3 ON 3 GAIN -3 3 GAIN 10 18 10 -6 18 ST2 max L R 10 -6 ST4 ON ON R Disable AFL +15 +6 18 -6 LEV R 3 +6 4 OO -3 GAIN 10 -6 METERS AUX 5-8 MTX 1
Visit Allen & Heath : http://www.allen-heath.
