Fostex 450 - Section 3 Interconnections and Installation; Connecting Inputs; Connecting Outputs

SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION
The Fostex Model 450 is one of the most flexible, versatile
mixers ever designed for its price category. With a complement
of features such as phantom power, in-line monitoring, input
solo and multiple send/receive circuits and patch points, this
8x8x4x2 mixer can be used in a wide variety of creative
applications. From multitrack recording to complex sound
reinforcement, the 450 delivers quality audio, direct or
through the summing amplifiers, pre- or post- EQ and fader.
Anywhere you need it; however you want it to sound.
Fostex’s engineers, who pioneered the development of
personal multitrack and mixing equipment, designed the 450 to
meet the needs of the serious small studio or production facility
as well as stage and P.A. users. It combines ease of operation,
reliability and flexibility in an extremely compact package, and
is particularly compatible with multitrack equipment such as
the Fostex 8-track, 1 /4" recorder Model 80. Your 450
should provide years of top audio performance with a minimum
of service, using reasonable care.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
While it may be possible to "get by” without reading this manual,
the utmost in creative results can only be obtained when one is
thoroughly acquainted with the 450 and its full capabilities. We
suggest quickly reading this manual once before using the 450,
then re-reading the manual later, after becoming familiar with
the basic functions of the mixer.
Section 1 contains brief descriptions of each feature and
control. This is handy for quick references, although for a more
detailed step-by-step guide to connection and use, consult
Section 3. The remainder of the manual will illustrate in more
detail, the use of external processing equipment, the equalizers,
and examples of mixing for multitrack, production, and P.A.
Then, most important, study and refer to the block diagram in
Section 10. You will find this to be an important aid when
reading the use and applications sections of this manual, as
well as providing you with more specific knowledge of the
450 and its remarkable potential.
SECTION 3 INTERCONNECTIONS AND INSTALLATION
Whatever the application, certain standard procedures should
be followed in setting up the mixer for use.
The power cord of the mixer should be connected to an AC
supply of the correct voltage.
While the output of the Model 450 incorporate a circuit to
prevent an audible power on “thump”, it is always advisable to
turn the power on to amplifiers or tape recorders connected to
the outputs of the mixer AFTER the mixer has been switched
on.
CONNECTING THE INPUTS
The input circuits of the Model 450 are such that they may
accommodate an extremely wide range of input signals. You
may connect virtually any signal, ranging from microphones to
electric musical instruments level, directly to the input jack.
Each balanced XLR mic input has a phantom power switch for
use with certain condenser microphones.
NOTE: Never connect any signal output rated in “Watts” to
any input of the Model 450. These are often high voltage
signals ordinarily intended for loudspeakers. If you need to
make such a connection use a “Direct Injection” or “DF’box,
or direct box obtainable from your dealer. Failure to do this
may result in damage to the circuits of the Model 450,
and/or the power amplifier.
To set the input trim, adjust this control on maximum signal
peaks until the LED above the corresponding faderjustceases
to flash. This will be the optimum input level. Should the signal
level rise, the LED will start to flash again, giving you clear
indication that you should reduce the setting of the trim control
again. "Tape in” (18) and "buss in" (21), accept a -lOdBV
(0.3V) level. This is compatible with all Fostex recording
equipment and most other musicians’ studio equipment. These
inputs will also accept a nominal level of OdBm, which are
standards in many professional studios, though the overload
headroom will be somewhat lower.
Remember, as long as your input LED is not flashing, you are
not overloading any of the input amplifiers. If required you can
include a simple input attenuator in line with your input signal. If
in doubt consult your dealer.
CONNECTING THE OUTPUTS
All outputs are at a nominal —lOdBV (0.3V) level. This signal
level is compatible with all Fostex recording equipment and
most other musician’s studio equipment.
While you may find that certain recorders, amplifiers or signal
processors are specified with a nominal "OdBm" or “OdBV”
level, these often have a front panel input control or pre-set
which will readily accommodate this — lOdBV level.
It is important to set the input level control on equipment
connected to the mixer outputs, to an optimum setting to
achieve the best minimum noise, and maximum overload
performance.
Setting correct levels is a prime factor in attaining the maximum
dynamic range performance from any professional audio
system. While presetting inputs to external equipment need
only be done once, individual input channel levels must
be trimmed when mixing various sources via various
microphones.
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