AER Pocket Tools Dual Mix 2 Preamp Mixer User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the AER Pocket Tools Dual Mix 2. This compact two-channel preamp mixer is designed to expand the input capabilities of your amplifier or mixing system, providing high-quality signal processing for microphones and line-level instruments. It features versatile input options, 2-band EQ, a digital effects processor, and various output options, making it an essential tool for musicians and audio professionals.

2. Safety Instructions

• Read all instructions carefully before operating the device.
• Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture to prevent fire or electric shock.
• Ensure the power adapter matches the local power supply voltage.
• Do not open the casing. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Avoid placing the unit near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• Disconnect the power supply during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Front Panel Controls

The front panel provides access to all primary controls for input gain, equalization, effects, and output levels.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the AER Pocket Tools Dual Mix 2. This image displays the two input channels, each with gain, high, and low EQ controls. The effects section includes level and pan controls, along with a selector for four presets. The auxiliary input has a level control, and a master volume knob is also visible. A headphone output and power indicator are located on the right side.

• Channel 1 & 2 Gain: Adjusts the input sensitivity for each channel. The 'clip' LED indicates signal overload.
• Channel 1 & 2 EQ (High, Low): Two-band equalizer for tone shaping on each channel.
• EFX (Level, Pan, Select): Controls the digital effects processor. 'Level' adjusts the effect send, 'Pan' distributes the effect between channels, and 'Select' chooses one of four effect presets.
• Aux Level: Adjusts the volume of the auxiliary input.
• Master: Overall output volume control.
• Phones: Headphone output jack.
• Power Indicator: Illuminates when the unit is powered on.

3.2 Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel houses all input and output connectors, including power and phantom power switches.

Figure 3.2: Rear view of the AER Pocket Tools Dual Mix 2. This image shows the combined XLR/1/4 inch jack inputs for Channel 1 and Channel 2. Also visible are the Line Out jacks for Channel 1 and Channel 2, the DI Out (XLR), and the DC 24V power input. Switches for 24V phantom power (Ch.1, Ch.2) and a mute switch are also present.

• Channel 1 & 2 Input (Combined XLR/1/4" Jack): Connect microphones (XLR) or line-level instruments (1/4" jack).
• 24V Phantom Power (Ch.1, Ch.2): Switches to activate 24V phantom power for condenser microphones on each channel.
• Mute: Mutes the main output signal.
• Line Out (Ch.1, Ch.2): Unbalanced 1/4" jack outputs for each channel, useful for sending signals to an amplifier or other processing.
• DI Out (XLR): Balanced XLR output for sending the mixed signal to a PA system or recording interface.
• DC 24V: Power input for the included 24V DC power adapter.
• Aux In: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo input for connecting external audio sources like MP3 players.
• HP Filter (High Pass Filter): Switch to engage a high-pass filter, useful for reducing low-frequency rumble.

4. Setup

4.1 Power Connection

1. Ensure the AER Pocket Tools Dual Mix 2 is switched off.
2. Connect the provided 24V DC power adapter to the 'DC 24V' input on the rear panel.
3. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC power outlet.

4.2 Input Connections

The Dual Mix 2 offers flexible input options for various sources.

Figure 4.2: Input connection diagram. This illustration shows a microphone connected to Channel 1 and a guitar connected to Channel 2, demonstrating typical instrument and microphone input configurations.

• Microphones: Connect dynamic or condenser microphones to the XLR inputs of Channel 1 or Channel 2. If using a condenser microphone, activate the corresponding 24V Phantom Power switch on the rear panel.
• Instruments/Line Sources: Connect instruments (e.g., guitar, keyboard) or line-level devices to the 1/4" jack inputs of Channel 1 or Channel 2.
• Auxiliary Input: Connect an external audio player (e.g., smartphone, MP3 player) to the 'Aux In' 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo jack on the rear panel.

4.3 Output Connections

• To an Amplifier: Use the 'Line Out Ch.1' or 'Line Out Ch.2' 1/4" jacks to connect to the input of an instrument amplifier. For example, to expand an AER Compact 60, connect the Line Out to an available input on the amplifier.
• To a PA System/Mixing Desk: Use the balanced 'DI Out' XLR connector to send the mixed signal to a PA system, studio mixing console, or recording interface.
• Headphones: Connect headphones to the 'Phones' output on the front panel for personal monitoring.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Basic Operation

1. Power on the unit. The power indicator LED will illuminate.
2. Connect your desired input sources (microphones, instruments, aux).
3. Set the 'Gain' controls for Channel 1 and Channel 2. Adjust until the 'clip' LED flashes only occasionally during the loudest parts of your performance.
4. Adjust the 'High' and 'Low' EQ controls for each channel to shape your tone.
5. If using the auxiliary input, adjust its 'Aux Level' control.
6. Adjust the 'Master' volume control to set the overall output level.

5.2 Digital Effects Processor

The Dual Mix 2 includes a digital effects processor with four presets.

• Use the 'Select' knob to choose one of the four available effect presets.
• Adjust the 'Level' knob to control the amount of effect sent to the main mix.
• The 'Pan' knob allows you to distribute the effect between Channel 1 and Channel 2.

5.3 High Pass Filter

The High Pass Filter (HP Filter) helps to remove unwanted low-frequency rumble or feedback.

Figure 5.3: High Pass Filter functionality graph. This graph shows how the high-pass filter attenuates frequencies below a certain cutoff point (e.g., 50 Hz or 300 Hz), while allowing higher frequencies to pass through unaffected. The filter helps to reduce low-end rumble and improve clarity.

Engage the 'HP Filter' switch on the rear panel to activate the filter. This will cut off frequencies below a certain point, which can be beneficial for vocal clarity or reducing stage rumble.

6. Application Examples

6.1 Expanding an Amplifier

The Dual Mix 2 can effectively expand the input capabilities of an existing amplifier, such as an AER Compact 60, turning it into a 4-channel system.

Figure 6.1: Amplifier expansion setup. This diagram illustrates how the Dual Mix 2 can be connected to an amplifier (represented by a cube) via its Line Out, effectively adding two more input channels to the amplifier's existing inputs, creating a '2+2' channel configuration.

6.2 Connecting to a Mixing Desk / Stage Box

For larger setups, the Dual Mix 2 can serve as a front-end mixer before sending a consolidated signal to a main mixing desk or stage box.

Figure 6.2: Mixing desk connection. This diagram shows the Dual Mix 2 sending its output to a larger mixing desk or stage box, consolidating multiple inputs into a single output for further processing.

6.3 Headphone Monitoring

Monitor your mix directly from the unit using headphones.

Figure 6.3: Headphone monitoring setup. This diagram illustrates a microphone and guitar connected to the Dual Mix 2, with headphones plugged into the unit for direct audio monitoring.

7. Maintenance

• Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Keep the unit free from dust and debris.
• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the unit to strong impacts.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Specifications