AM6

AUTOMATIC MIXER

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
and trouble-shooting guide

LECTROSONICS, INC.
Rio Rancho, NM
 INTRODUCTION
The AM6 is the first automatic mixer to include notch filters and basic tone control in a single, cost-effective
package. Although the AM6 is an affordable unit, performance is equivalent to much more expensive separates.
The AM6 has 6 input channels which will accept either mic or line level signals. The AM6 will be an ideal choice
for small churches, conference rooms, or anywhere a state of the art integrated automatic mixer is desirable.

The AM6 has many features not found in systems composed of separate components. The AM6 includes an
automatic (switchable to manual) ambient threshold sensing circuit to eliminate the need to adjust the ambient
threshold for varying background noise conditions. This makes the initial setup of the AM6 quick and simple. The
Last Mic Hold function is also included. With Last Mic Hold in the "On" position, the last active mic is held in the
open mode until another microphone comes on. In this way, much better performance is achieved in marginal
situations (i.e. very soft talkers, or talkers who turn away from the mic).

Each channel is jumperable to allow bypass of the notch filters and tone controls. This is advantageous when
connecting outside music sources such as CD players or tape decks. Each channel also has remote volume
control capability with the addition of a single linear potentiometer per channel. In addition, the Main level may also
be remotely controlled. Two balanced line outputs are provided for amplifier feed or tape recording.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SERVICE AND REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

1
 GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Please refer to the block diagram of the AM6 for the following discussion.

The microphone preamp is designed around an ultra-low noise, dedicated preamplifier IC. This IC provides noise
and distortion performance previously available only in discrete preamp designs. The preamp is fully balanced and
RF protected. Phantom power (15 Volts) is jumperable on each channel to accommodate both dynamic and
electret type microphones. The gain of the preamp is variable via a rear panel trim pot from 6dB to 55dB of gain.
This adjustment of gain range allows the preamp to accept signals from mic to line level, while optimizing the
preamp gain for any input signal level.

The microphone preamp feeds a low noise Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA). The VCA implements the automatic
function, as well as allowing remote level control of any channel using a linear potentiometer.

The AM6 has two modes of operation for each channel; Auto and Direct. The operational mode is selected via the
front panel Auto/Direct switch on each channel. In the Direct mode, the channel is always on. The Direct mode is
analogous to a standard channel in a non-automatic mixer.

In the Auto mode, each channel is attenuated 15dB when there is no activity on the channel. When activity is
detected, the channel gain increases 1dB for each 1dB that the input signal level is above threshold. The channel
gain increases for 15dB, until channel attenuation is unity (0dB). After the channel attenuation reaches unity, no
more gain modulation occurs even if signal levels continue to increase. This 2:1 gain modulation gives a smooth
transition from full attenuation to unity gain, unlike the choppy action of automatic mixers that use gates (i.e.
instantaneous change from full attenuation to unity gain).

The presence or absence of signal is determined by the Speech Filter and Log Amplifier section. Speech signals
are filtered to emphasize the voice band, and converted to decibels by the log amplifier. The signal is then
compared against the instantaneous value of the Fixed Threshold plus the Variable Threshold, and the appropriate
channel gain is derived. The Variable Threshold introduces a threshold offset proportional to the signal to prevent
sound from the system loudspeakers from turning on unused microphones.

The level of individual channels is adjusted by the front panel Channel Level control. Each channel is jumperable
to tone/notch or no tone/notch. Typically, channels using microphones as their source would be jumpered for notch
filtering and tone control. Line level signals, such as recorded music, would normally be jumpered to bypass the
tone controls to give flat frequency response reproduction. Note that when a channel is jumpered for bypass, the
volume of that channel will not be affected by the Main Level control. In this way, the volume level of a line source
may be preset using the Channel Level control, and will not be disturbed if the system volume is adjusted via the
Main Level control.

The signals are summed, and their volume is controlled by the Main Level control. The signal is then sent to the
Notch/tone controls section.

The balanced line outputs are low impedance (100 ohms) line level drivers that may be used for amplification and
tape recording.

Each channel has connections for remote gain control via linear pots (10K). Additionally, a single linear
potentiometer is may be used to control overall system volume. Linear to audio taper signal conditioning is
provided by the AM6 to maximize control resolution.

2
Threshold setting (i.e. the input signal level at which the channel begins to come on) may be accomplished in one
of two modes; Auto or Manual. In Manual mode, a front panel pot is used to adjust the minimum level at which the
channels begin to come on. In the Auto mode, the ambient level is continuously monitored, and the minimum level
at which channels begin to come on is set a few dB above ambient. With the AM6 set in the Auto Threshold mode,
the chances of misadjustment are considerably less.

Another feature of the AM6 that simplifies setup and operation is Last Mic Hold. With Last Mic Hold in the "On"
position, the last active mic is held in the open mode until another microphone comes on. In this way, much better
performance is achieved in marginal situations (i.e. very soft talkers, or talkers who turn away from the mic).

Figure 1 - AM6 Block Diagram

3
 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
CHANNEL LEVEL - Controls the level of signal from the channel sent to the main buss. Maximum gain occurs
when this control is fully clockwise.

ON LED - Indicates when a channel is active.

AUTO/DIRECT MODE SWITCH - Controls the mode of operation of each channel. Direct mode keeps the channel
ON regardless of the signal on that channel. Auto puts the channel in the automatic mode.

NOTCH 1/NOTCH 2 - Adjustable for an audio range of 500Hz to 5KHz applying a notch of -12dB on a 1/5 octave
band to eliminate feedback.

NOTCH OUT/IN - These switches turn the notch filters off or on. Out is the off or deactivated position.

TONE CONTROLS (BASS/TREBLE) - Controls the amount of boost or attenuation in the chosen band. Fully
clockwise is +12dB and fully counterclockwise is -12dB.

TONE OUT/IN - This switch turns the tone controls off or on. Out is the off or deactivated position.

OUTPUT LEVEL - Controls the system output level. Both of the balanced line outputs are driven from the Output
Level control. Note that all channels that are jumpered to bypass the notch filters and tone controls are not
affected by the Output Level control.

THRESHOLD MANUAL/AUTO SWITCH - Determines the mode of the fixed Threshold for the AM6. In Manual
mode, the Threshold Level pot determines the Threshold. In Auto mode, the ambient noise is monitored and the
Threshold is set relative to the ambient noise.

THRESHOLD LEVEL - Sets the Threshold level when the Manual Mode is selected.

LAST MIC HOLD - Enables or disables the Last Mic Hold function. With Last Mic Hold in the "On" position, the
last active mic is held in the open mode until another microphone comes on.

POWER LED - Indicates the presence of AC power to the AM6.

POWER SWITCH - Turns the AM6 on or off.

1.8K 1.8K 0 0
NOTCH 1 NOTCH 2
TONE

500 5K OUT IN 500 5K OUT IN -12 +12 -12 +12 OUT IN

BASS TREBLE -20 PEAK

OUTPUT
LECTROSONICS LEVEL
POWER
5
CH. 1 CH. 2 CH. 3 CH. 4 CH. 5 CH. 6 4 6
MODE
3 7
MANUAL
LEVEL LAST MIC
2 8 HOLD
DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT
AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO MAN AUTO OFF ON
1 9
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL MIN MAX
0 10
ON MODE ON MODE ON MODE ON MODE ON MODE ON MODE THRESHOLD

Figure 2 - AM6 Front Panel

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 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
MIC/LINE INPUT - Accepts a balanced or unbalanced signal. Can accommodate signal levels from mic to line.
Fully balanced differential input, RF filtered, internally selectable 15 volt phantom supply. XLR type connector, Pin
2 is "+", Pin 3 is "-", and Pin 1 is ground.

TRIM - Sets the mic/line preamp gain from 6dB to 55dB.

MAIN OUT - Provides a balanced line level output signal for sending the signal to an amplifier or other equipment.

AUX OUT - Provides a balanced line level output signal for sending the signal to an amplifier or other equipment.

VCA REMOTE - Provides remote control capability for each channel and overall gain using a linear pot.

POT GAIN ELECTRET

REMOTE LEVEL SETTINGS MIC
CONNECTIONS
LECTROSONICS, INC.
FUSE CAUTION RIO RANCHO, NM - USA
CCW CW
TOREDUCETHERISKOFFIRE LINE
E

DYNAMIC AUTOMATIC MIXER

FU

+6dBu MAX
US

SE
F REPLACEONLYWITHSAMETYPE MIC
1/4AMP250VOLTFUSE TERMINALS

REMOTE
MASTER
VOLUME CH. 6 CH. 5 CH. 4 CH. 3 CH. 2 CH. 1
INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT
AUX OUT MAIN OUT REMOTE REMOTE REMOTE REMOTE REMOTE REMOTE
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN

100/120VOLTSAC
50/60HZ30WATTSMAX
TIP-HI
RING-LO
SLEEVE-GND

MADEINUSA

Figure 3 - AM6 Rear Panel

5
 INSTALLATION
Installation of the AM6 is straightforward. If the AM6 is not installed in a rack, the four self-adhesive rubber feet
(included) may be affixed to the bottom of the unit.

If the remote volume control capability of the AM6 is used, the rear panel must be temporarily removed* to attach
the wiring. Wire gauge is not critical for connection to the remote pot, as the current levels are very low. Tinning
the wires before terminating them into the gray connectors is strongly recommended. The white lever on each slot
of the connector must be pushed back with a screwdriver before the wire is inserted. Any pot value between 10K
and 100K, linear taper, will work. Connect the pot as follows:

Clockwise pot terminal - Right most slot in gray connector

Wiper pot terminal - Center slot in gray connector
Counterclockwise pot terminal - Left most slot in gray connector

Refer to the illustration screened onto the rear panel of the AM6.

If phantom power is needed on any or all channels, the rear panel of the AM6 must be temporarily removed*. The
3-pin jumper nearest each input connector is the phantom power jumper. The AM6 is shipped with phantom power
OFF, but phantom power for any channel may be enabled by switching the jumper to ON as shown in Figure 4.

Channels 1-6 are factory jumpered for tone control and notch filtering. If these functions need to be disabled, set
the jumpers to BYPASS as shown in Figure 4. To gain access to these jumpers the top cover of the AM6 should
be temporarily removed*. Channel one is easily accessed. To access channels 2-6 remove the knobs of the tone
and notch controls, remove the two 6-32 screws which secure the EQ board, and carefully remove the EQ board.
The six 3-pin jumpers close to the front panel are the EQ jumpers.

O
3 F
F
1 1
2
P101 P201

O
1 N
P101

PHANTOM POWER:
Jump 1 to 2 for ON
Jump 2 to 3 for OFF

EQUALIZATION:
Jump 1 to 2 to BYPASS eq
Jump 2 to 3 to ENABLE eq

P104

P104 P204
1 1
1 2 3

FRONT

Figure 4 - Phantom Power & EQ Bypass Jumpers

*Disconnect the power cord prior to removing any panels and observe standard safety precautions when
changing internal jumpers and connectors. There are electrolytic capacitors that can discharge power,
resulting in electric shock.

6
 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Phantom Power Selection - If phantom power is desired for any channel, see the Installation section (page 6) for
details.

2) Remote Control - If remote control of either individual channels or the overall system level is desired, see the
Installation section (page 6) for details.

3) Tone/Notch filter Jumpers - If an Tone/Notch jumpering scheme other than the factory standard setup (all
channels equalized) is desired, see the Installation section (page 6) for details.

4) Connect microphones and amplifier(s) to the AM6 and place them in the positions in which they will be used.

5) Set the rear panel trim controls as appropriate for the signal source (i.e. line, electret, or dynamic).
Select Auto or Direct mode on each channel as desired. Auto mode should be used for microphones and Direct
mode is handy for testing microphone operation. Select Manual or Auto Threshold as desired. If Manual mode is
selected, a good starting point for the Threshold Level pot is about 1/3 of full rotation.

6) With all Channel Level controls fully open clockwise and the Output Level control fully counterclockwise, turn on
the power for the AM6 and the amplifier. If Auto Threshold was selected in step 5, wait about 10 seconds after
turning the power on before proceeding. This will allow the Auto Threshold to initialize its sampling of the ambient
noise.

7) Speak normally into each mic in turn, and be sure that the green ON LED lights when speaking. If not, increase
the rear panel Trim level setting. After the Trim settings are determined, do not adjust them again.

8) Adjust the Output Level of the AM6 for adequate sound system level. If necessary, readjust the Channel Level
controls to balance individual microphones.

9) Adjust the Tone controls for best sound.

10) Turn up the system until ringing (the onset of feedback) begins. Turn the Notch 1 control slowly until the
ringing subsides. Increase the amplification of the system until ringing occurs again. Turn the Notch 2 control
slowly until the ringing subsides. Return the system volume level to normal levels.

TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE

1) No POWER LED 1) Power switch not on

2) Unit not plugged in

2) No sound from system 1) Output Level control turned down

2) Channel Level controls on mic channels not turned up
3) THRESHOLD control set too high (if in Manual Threshold
mode; check channel ON LEDs on mic channels)
4) INPUT TRIM controls on preamp channels too low
5) Remote control pots (if used) turned down
6) Remote control switches (if used) turned off
7) Phantom power not on for phantom powered mics

2) Excessive feedback 1) System not notched properly

2) System volume set too high
3) Microphone too far from person
4) Speaker too close to microphone

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 SPECIFICATIONS
Mic/Line Input:

Type: Electronically balanced

RF filtered
Impedance: 10K balanced, for standard 200 Ohm mics
Trim Gain Range: 6dB-55dB
EIN, 20-20KHz -127dBu
Nominal Attenuation: 15dB
Maximum Input Level: +12dBu
(Gain set at 6dB)

Phantom Power: +15 Volts, internal jumper

Notch/tone controls Section:

Notch Filters: Variable 500Hz to 5KHz,

1/5 octave bandwidth

Tone controls: Bass, Treble. Switchable on/off

Maximum System Gain:

Mic/Line In to Line Out 75dB

System THD, 1KHz: Less than .1%

System THD, 20-20KHz: Less than .25%

System IMD, 60/7KHz: Less than .25%

Power Consumption 30 Watts max at 120VAC

8
 SERVICE AND REPAIR
If your system malfunctions, you should attempt to correct or isolate the trouble before concluding that the
equipment needs repair. Make sure you have followed the setup procedure and operating instructions. Check out
the inter-connecting cords and then go through the TROUBLE SHOOTING section in the manual

We strongly recommend that you do not try to repair the equipment yourself and do not have the local repair shop
attempt anything other than the simplest repair. If the repair is more complicated than a broken wire or loose
connection, send the unit to the factory for repair and service. Don’t attempt to adjust any controls inside the units.
Once set at the factory, the various controls and trimmers do not drift with age or vibration and never require
readjustment. There are no adjustments inside that will make a malfunctioning unit start working.

LECTROSONICS service department is equipped and staffed to quickly repair your equipment. In-warranty repairs
are made at no charge in accordance with the terms of the warranty. Out of warranty repairs are charged at a
modest flat rate plus parts and shipping. Since it takes almost as much time and effort to determine what is wrong
as it does to make the repair, there is a charge for an exact quotation. We will be happy to quote approximate
charges by phone for out of warranty repairs.

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR

You will save yourself time and trouble if you will follow the steps below:

A. DO NOT return equipment to the factory for repair without first contacting us by letter or by phone. We need to
know the nature of the problem, the model number and the serial number of the equipment. We also need a
phone number where you can be reached 8 am to 4 pm (Mountain Standard Time).

B. After receiving your request, we will issue you a return authorization number (R.A.). This number will help
speed your repair through our receiving and repair departments. The return authorization number must be
clearly shown on the outside of the shipping container.

C. Pack the equipment carefully and ship to us, shipping costs prepaid. If necessary, we can provide you with the
proper packing materials. UPS is usually the best way to ship the units. Heavy units should be "double-boxed"
for safe transport.

D. We also strongly recommend that you insure the equipment, since we cannot be responsible for loss of or
damage to equipment that you ship. Of course, we insure the equipment when we ship it back to you.

Mailing address: Shipping address: Telephones:

Lectrosonics, Inc. Lectrosonics, Inc. (505) 892-4501
PO Box 15900 581 Laser Rd. (800) 821-1121
Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 FAX: (505) 892-6243
USA USA

World Wide Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com email: [email protected]

9
 LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

The equipment is warranted for one year from date of purchase against defects
in materials or workmanship provided it was purchased from an authorized
dealer. This warranty does not cover equipment which has been abused or
damaged by careless handling or shipping. This warranty does not apply to
used or demonstrator equipment.

Should any defect develop, we will, at our option, repair or replace any
defective parts without charge for either parts or labor. If we cannot correct the
defect in your equipment, we will replace it at no charge with a similar new item.
We will pay for the cost of returning your merchandise to you.

This warranty applies only to items returned to us, shipping costs prepaid, within
one year from the date of purchase.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional legal
rights which vary from state to state.

LECTROSONICS, INC.
581 LASER ROAD
RIO RANCHO, NM 87124 USA July 6, 1999