The Phenyx Pro PTX-15 is a 4-channel audio mixer sound board system designed for professional sound quality and flexible personal mixing needs. It features digital USB/Bluetooth input, a stereo graphic equalizer, 16 built-in digital effects, and studio monitor functionality.
Function Description:
The PTX-15 serves as a central hub for audio mixing, allowing users to connect multiple audio sources, adjust their levels, apply equalization and effects, and output a combined stereo mix. Its core function is to provide a versatile platform for audio production, live performances, or recording sessions.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Mic input: Electronically balanced, discrete input configuration.
- Bandwidth: 10Hz to 60kHz ±3dB.
- Distortion (THD&N): 0.01% at 4 dBu, 1kHz, Bandwidth 80 kHz.
- TRIM range: +10dB to +60dB.
- Line Input: Electronically balanced.
- Bandwidth: 10Hz to 60kHz ±3dB.
- Distortion (THD & N): 0.01% at 4dBu, 1kHz, Bandwidth 80kHz.
- Line level range: +10dBu to -40 dBu.
Equalization:
- Hi Shelving: 12kHz +/- 15dB.
- Mid Range: 2.5kHz +/- 15dB.
- Lo Shelving: 80Hz +/- 15dB.
Master Mix Section:
- Max Output: +22 dBu balanced.
- Aux Send Max Out: +22 dBu unbalanced.
- Control Room Out: +22 dBu unbalanced.
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 112 dB, all channels at Unity Gain.
Power Supply:
- Mains Voltages: USA/Canada, -120V AC, 60Hz; U.K./Australia, -240V AC, 50Hz.
- Power: 4CH, 2X100W (4 ohm).
Usage Features:
- 4 Mono Input Channels: Equipped with gold-plated XLRs and balanced line inputs, allowing for connection of microphones and other line-level sources.
- Ultra-low Noise Discrete Mic Preamps: Provides high-quality signal amplification for microphones, with +48V phantom power available for condenser microphones.
- 3-Band EQ on all Channels: Each input channel features High, Mid, and Low equalization controls for precise tone shaping.
- HI EQ: Up to 15dB boost or cut at 12KHz and above, ideal for adding clarity to cymbals, keyboards, vocals, and guitars.
- MID EQ: Up to 12 dB boost or cut centered at 2.5KHz, crucial for shaping the core character of sounds.
- LOW EQ: Up to 15dB boost or cut at 80Hz and below, perfect for enhancing bass drums and bass guitar.
- Built-in 16 Digital Special Effects: Offers a variety of effects like Delay, Doubler, Shimmer, Vocal Enhancer, Hall Reverb, Plate Reverb, Room Reverb, and Spring Reverb. These effects can be applied to individual channels via the EFX SEND control and adjusted with the EFFECT LEVEL knob. The EFFECT DISPLAY shows the currently selected effect.
- Extremely High Headroom: Provides a wider dynamic range, allowing for cleaner audio without distortion even at higher signal levels.
- Separate Master Mix Outputs Control: The MAIN OUT (LEFT/RIGHT) jacks provide the stereo output mix to a main amplifier.
- Stereo Graphic Equalizer: A 5-band graphic equalizer (80Hz, 350Hz, 1KHz, 4KHz, 12KHz) on the master output allows for fine-tuning the overall tone of the mixed audio across different frequencies.
- Headphone Monitoring Function (SOLO): The PFL (Pre-Fader Listen) switch on each channel, in conjunction with the master SOLO button and HEADPHONE LEVEL knob, enables users to monitor the pre-fader, unprocessed signal of individual channels through headphones before it is sent to the main output. This is essential for precise sound checks and adjustments.
- USB/FLASH READER/MP3 Compatibility: Allows for direct playback of WAV/WMA/MP3 audio files from a USB drive. The MP3 LEVEL knob controls the volume of this input.
- Bluetooth Wireless Streaming: Enables users to stream music wirelessly from smart devices like iPads, iPhones, and Android smartphones, providing convenient background music or track playback.
- AUX SEND/RETURN JACK: Facilitates connection of external effects processors, expanding the mixer's sonic capabilities.
- RECORD PIN JACK: Allows for easy connection to a cassette deck or other recording devices to capture the mixed output.
- GAIN Control: Adjusts the input signal level for each channel to ensure optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
- PAN/BAL Control: Sends the post-fader signal of each channel to either the left or right main bus, allowing for stereo imaging.
- CHANNEL FADER: Adjusts the volume of individual channels, working in conjunction with the master fader.
- PHANTOM POWER SELECTION: A dedicated button to switch on +48V phantom power for condenser microphones connected to the Mic/Line input jacks.
Maintenance Features:
The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features. However, general best practices for audio equipment maintenance would apply:
- Proper Connection: Always use the included AC adapter and appropriate cables (commercial RCA for 2-track inputs/outputs, mono or stereo plugs with bridged ring and sleeve for unbalanced devices).
- Avoid Unbalanced XLR with Phantom Power: A critical warning is provided: "Never use unbalanced XLR connectors (PIN 1 and 3 connected) on the MIC input connectors when using the phantom power supply," to prevent potential damage.
- Careful Handling: The device should be handled with care to prevent physical damage to controls, connectors, and internal components.
- Environmental Protection: Avoid extreme heat, cold, corrosive environments, and natural forces to protect the device.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the unit free from dust and debris to ensure optimal performance and longevity.