These are four or eight-zone mono mixers with clear and simple controls, intended for commercial audio installations in leisure venues, hotels and sports-centres, where selective paging and a choice of different background sources is needed. Other applications may include background music systems in restaurants and bars. On the front panel there is a vertical strip of controls for each zone output; microphone 1 level, microphone 2 level, music source selector switch and music level. Thus a three channel mix is available for each zone.
Two stereo unbalanced line level inputs are available via RCA (phono) sockets and four stereo balanced line level inputs via 'Euroblock' connectors. Gain controls are available for each input. These 'music' input pairs are summed individually to mono. There are also three balanced microphone inputs, all three with +15V phantom power available: Two have pre-set gain and level controls on the front panel, whilst the third is a dedicated paging-microphone input with pre-set level on the front panel, with zone-routing facility and full priority. All connections use removable Phoenix-style 'Euroblock' terminal block connectors, unless specified otherwise.
There are either four (Z4 MK4) or eight (Z8 MK4) zone outputs, each with balanced connector and adjacent associated 'music' HF and LF EQ controls on the rear panel, as well as a port for remote control of music level and source using RSL-6 control panels, or music level only using RL-1, which are connected using screened single-pair cable, and fit standard, UK, single-gang back-boxes. In each case an adjacent switch allocates control of music signals to either the remote or local front-panel and a pre-set control adjusts the level of the paging microphone in the zone. In addition, a facility port connection on Cat5 RJ45, allows loop-in/loop-out configuration of up to two LM2 remote plates to each zone, offering an additional mic or line input and a secondary means to control music source input and level for that zone.
All the microphone signals have priority over the 'music' source selected. The paging microphone input has vox priority over the other two microphones. Paging microphone zone access is controlled by the grounding contacts provided, there is a connector for remote music mute, and the facility to allow the signal on line input 6 to have priority over the selected music source.
Line inputs: Level; -12dBu to +8dBu, impedance; 47kohm, noise; -90dB, RMS, at 0dB gain.
Microphone inputs: Gain; 10-50dB, impedance; greater than 2kohm, noise; -120dB EIN.
Zone outputs: Level; 0dB, minimum load impedance; 600 ohms, maximum output; +20dBu.
Power supply: 85V–253V AC, 47-63Hz.
Dimensions: 3U rack-mounting x 160mm depth (plus connections)
Weight: Z4 MK4; 3.83kg, Z8 MK4; 4.4kg.
Included accessories: Manual, AC power cable, mating terminal-block connectors.
Optional accessories: RSL-6, RL-1 remote controls and LM-2 active modules, see below. A suitable multi-zone paging microphone system is available, see Cloud Digital Paging Microphones.
CX261 Single zone mixer with MP3 input
The Cloud CX261 is a 1U rack-mounting, stereo, audio mixer intended for use in commercial audio systems where simple control of background music needs to be combined with a flexible range of paging options. It will mix one of six unbalanced stereo line inputs with up to two balanced microphone inputs.
Line level inputs are via RCA (phono) sockets, each with individual gain control. Line 1 is switchable between RCA and MP3. During MP3 operation an alternate front panel 3.5mm socket is used for the connection of mobile phones, laptops and other mobile devices. This input is provided with an independent gain control and LED signal level indication. Line 6 can be set for priority over other music inputs via internal jumper. This can be particularly useful in retail environments and visitor centres where it may be desirable to use a digital sound store to play call-to-action announcements. One of three user-selectable release times of up to 12 seconds can be set to unobtrusively restore the original music source.
Two balanced microphone inputs are made via terminal-block connectors, each with independent gain control. Mic 1 priority over mic 2 can be set via internal jumper. A short-to-ground access connector or VOX-triggered voice-over-music priority is available on both mic inputs. A switchable isolating transformer configures Mic 1 input for direct connection to a telephone system, enabling paging messages to originate from an extension. Mic-over-music priority may be selected by internal jumper, and may be triggered either by the access connector or automatically by a mic signal (VOX mode). 12V phantom power available to each microphone input. The CX261 is compatible with Cloud PM Series paging microphones. Rotary knobs are used to select line/MP3 music source, music level and mic levels.
Either music level only, or music source and level may be controlled remotely using Cloud RL Series or RSL Series remote control plates.
In addition to the main L/R stereo output, there is a transformer isolated mono auxiliary output which is suitable for providing a MOH (Music on Hold) output to a telephone system. All outputs are balanced line level via terminal block connectors. A Music Mute Input is provided (N/O or N/C), which may permit compliance with local Fire Authority regulations. The microphone inputs remain active when the Music Mute is applied.
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz, +/- 0.5dB, line/MP3; -3dB at 100Hz filter, +/- 0.5dB at 20kHz, mic/Tel. Distortion: less than 0.05% typical at 1kHz, line/MP3; less than 0.05% at 20Hz to 22kHz, mic; less than 0.05% at 200Hz to 20kHz, Tel. Sensitivity: 0.775V, 0dBu, +/-12dB, line; -20dBu to +4dBu, MP3; -10dBu to -50dBu, mic; -20dBu to +4dBu, Tel. Headroom: over 20dB, line/mic/Tel. Gain control: 24dB, line; 24dB, MP3; 40dB, mic. Output level: 0dBu, main; -6dBu, aux/MOH. Maximum output level: +20dBu, main; 0dBu, aux/MOH. Power input: 85-253V AC, 50/60Hz. Consumption: 46.5 mA at 240V. Dimensions: 482.6 x 44 x 152.5mm (W x H x D). Weight: 2.13kg.
CX163 2-zone mixer with utility output
CX163 is a 1U rack-mounting zone mixer primarily intended for applications in pubs, clubs, wine bars and shops. Six stereo line inputs (RCA-phono type connectors) and one balanced microphone input (screw terminal type connector) are provided and these can be individually selected to operate in two stereo output mixes and a third mono output with paging mic access for each zone. The simple appearance of the front panel, with separate music source and level, and mic level for each stereo zone (to suit unskilled operators), belies the sophistication of this product, which will lead to applications in many and varied circumstances.
The microphone gain control and EQ controls are of the pre-set type and are all positioned on the rear panel. The 6 stereo line inputs each have pre-set gain controls. Both zone output sections are provided with separate music EQ, again of the preset type, and are balanced on screw terminal connectors. There is also a mono output, on a screw terminal connector, designed to feed utility areas such as toilets, foyers etc., which carries either zone 1, zone 2 or a direct feed from the line 1 input, with adjustable level mic signal (and priority on zone 1 only).
Because VCA control is fitted as standard, it is possible to remote control the stereo volume of each zone. One RL-1 remote control is required for each zone.
Internal jumpers are provided for mono operation of either zone output, where an RL-1 can control either output, line 6 priority or front panel level control defeat. A fire alarm music mute facility is provided. A colour brochure with further details is available from Technical Support.
Frequency response: 20Hz – 22kHz, +/- 0.5dB, line; -3dB at 100Hz filter, +/- 0.5dB at 20kHz, mic. Distortion: less than 0.05% typical at 20Hz – 20kHz, line; less than 0.05% at 20Hz to 22kHz, mic. Sensitivity: 100mV – 1.5V, -17.8dBu - +6dBu, line. Headroom: over 20dB, line/mic. Gain control: 24dB, line; 10dB - 50dB, mic. Output level: 0dBu. Maximum output level: +20dBu. Power input: 85-253V AC, 50/60Hz. Consumption: 42.9 mA at 240V. Dimensions: 482.6 x 44 x 152.5mm (W x H x D). Weight: 2.10kg.
CX263 3-zone mixer
CX263 is a 1U rackmount, 3 zone mixer designed to cope with the increased variety of music sources and output control expected in clubs, venues, retail outlets and all areas where music is replayed and announcements made. The CX263 provides six stereo line inputs on RCA phone connectors and two balanced mic inputs (Mic 1 can be a paging mic) on screw-terminal type connectors which can be independently selected to operate into any of one stereo or two mono zones.
All inputs have individual gain presets with front panel individual mic level and overall music level controls for each zone. A rotary front panel switch selects the desired stereo source or no music ‘input’. Concealed behind an anti-tamper panel are preset controls, with separate mic equalisation. A remote enable switch on the rear for each zone, allows local selection of stereo source and music level using optional panel RSL-6. If only remote level and not source control is required, then use RL-1.
An optional serial expansion kit is available which allows RS232 control of music level and source on each zone and access for Mic 1 and Mic 2 on each zone. Remote mute inputs are also provided, which allow an emergency panel to mute the music signal, leaving microphone circuits available for emergency or other announcements.
Frequency response: 20Hz – 22kHz, +0 -0.3dB, line; -3dB at 100Hz filter, +/- 0.5dB at 20kHz, mic. Distortion: less than 0.05% typical at 20Hz – 20kHz, line; less than 0.05% at 20Hz to 22kHz, mic. Sensitivity: 100mV – 1.5V, -17.8dBu - +6dBu, line. Headroom: over 20dB, line/mic. Gain control: 24dB, line; 10dB - 50dB, mic. Output level: 0dBu. Maximum output level: +20dBu. Power input: 85-253V AC, 50/60Hz. Consumption: 43.1 mA at 240V. Dimensions: 482.6 x 44 x 152.5mm (W x H x D). Weight: 2.15kg.