Behringer POWERPLAY P16 Series Quick Start Guide

Product Overview

The Behringer POWERPLAY series offers personal monitoring solutions for musicians and audio professionals. The series includes:

• P16-M: 16-Channel Digital Personal Mixer
• P16-I: 16-Channel 19" Input Module with Analog and ADAT Optical Inputs
• P16-D: 16-Channel Digital ULTRANET Distributor

Safety Instructions

Please read and follow all safety instructions provided in the manual to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to the equipment. Key safety points include:

• Read and keep all instructions.
• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
• Do not use the apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings.
• Do not install near heat sources.
• Protect the power cord from damage.
• Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
• Use only with specified carts, stands, tripods, brackets, or tables.
• Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Ensure proper grounding connections.
• Dispose of the product correctly according to WEEE directives.

Hook-Up Diagrams

The guide provides diagrams illustrating connection methods:

• Simple Hook-up: Demonstrates a basic setup with stand-mounted P16-M mixers.
• Extended Hook-up: Shows a more complex setup involving the P16-D and multiple P16-M mixers.

Controls and Operation

Detailed explanations are provided for the controls on the P16-M, P16-I, and P16-D units. Key controls and their functions include:

P16-M Controls:

• EQ Controls (BASS, MID, FREQ, TREBLE): Adjust the equalization for bass, mid-range frequencies, and treble.
• LIMITER, LEVEL: Control the output limiter threshold and overall master output level.
• PAN/BAL: Adjusts the stereo placement of mono channels and the balance of stereo-linked channels.
• VOLUME: Adjusts the mix level for selected channels, groups, or the main stereo bus.
• ULTRANET LED: Indicates ULTRANET input status.
• CHANNEL SELECT buttons: Activate mono and stereo-linked channels and groups for mix adjustment.
• LINK button: Used to group channels together.
• STORE button: Saves current settings to a preset.
• RECALL button: Loads saved presets.
• PHONES jack: For connecting stereo headphones.
• LINE OUT (L/MONO): Analog outputs for external powered monitors.
• DC IN: Connects the external power supply.
• ON/OFF button: Powers the unit on and off.
• ULTRANET THRU output: Sends unprocessed digital audio to other P16-M or P16-D units.
• ULTRANET IN input: Accepts signals from other POWERPLAY 16 devices via CAT5 cable.
• MIDI IN: Accepts MIDI signals for external control.

P16-I Controls:

• INPUT SENSITIVITY switches: Adjust input level for analog inputs.
• SIG LEDs: Indicate signal presence on input channels.
• CLIP LEDs: Indicate when signal level is too high.
• ADAT A/B LEDs: Light up when digital inputs are in use.
• ULTRANET LEDs: Indicate active ULTRANET outputs.
• POWER switch: Turns the unit on and off.
• POWER SOURCE jack: Accepts the IEC power cable.
• ULTRANET OUTPUTS: Connect to P16-M mixers or P16-D hubs.
• ADAT IN connections: Accept digital audio signals via optical cables.
• ANALOG INPUTS: Accept balanced or unbalanced signals via 1/4" TRS connectors.

P16-D Controls:

• ON LED: Lights up when the unit is powered on.
• POWER switch: Turns the unit on and off.
• POWER SOURCE jack: Accepts the IEC power cable.
• ULTRANET IN input: Accepts signals from other POWERPLAY 16 devices via CAT5 cable.
• ULTRANET OUTPUTS: Connect to P16-M mixers or P16-D hubs, sending digital audio and power.

Getting Started Steps

Follow these steps to set up your system:

1. Ensure the P16-I is powered off.
2. Connect analog audio cables from your mixer's line-level outputs to the P16-I's analog inputs.
3. If your mixer has digital outputs, connect digital audio cables to the P16-I's ADAT A/B connections.
4. Connect shielded CAT5 digital cables from the P16-I's ULTRANET OUTPUTS to external devices (P16-M or P16-D units).
5. Power up the P16-I by pressing the POWER switch. The POWER LED will light up.
6. Connect your headphones to the P16-M's PHONES jack.
7. If using external powered monitors, connect them to the P16-M's LINE OUT outputs.
8. Power up the P16-M by pressing the ON/OFF button.
9. Adjust levels by playing audio and observing the SIG LEDs on the P16-I. Adjust INPUT SENSITIVITY switches to ensure CLIP LEDs light only occasionally.
10. Turn the OUTPUT LEVEL knob to set a comfortable monitoring level.
11. Turn the OUTPUT LIMITER knob to find a balance between dynamics and volume control.
12. Create stereo channels by pressing the LINK button and then a CHANNEL SELECT button.
13. Adjust individual channel settings (bass, treble, mid-range, pan, volume) using the respective controls.
14. Group channels together by pressing the GROUP button and then selecting the desired CHANNEL SELECT buttons.
15. Save your settings to a preset using the STORE button.
16. Load a preset using the RECALL button.
17. For the P16-D, ensure it is connected to a power outlet and powered down before connecting CAT5 cables from ULTRANET IN to other devices and ULTRANET OUTPUTS to your mixers. Power up the P16-D.

Specifications

Key specifications for the POWERPLAY series are provided, including digital processing, audio connections, power supply details, and dimensions/weight for each model.