ART MX524 Five Channel Four Zone Mic/Line Mixer

Important Safety Instructions

Read First

⚡️ CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK - DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

The symbol ⚡️ indicates the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages inside the enclosure, which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

The symbol ⚠️ alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

• Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment.
• Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide.
• Do not open: No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified technical personnel.
• Power sources: Connect only to mains power matching the description or rear panel marking. Ensure a good ground connection.
• Power cord: Use the provided sealed mains plug. Route cord to prevent it from being walked on, stretched, or pinched.
• Grounding: Do not defeat grounding or polarization means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or tamper with the ground connection.
• Moisture: Do not expose to rain, moisture, or damp/wet conditions. Do not place liquid containers on the unit.
• Heat: Do not locate near excessive heat or direct sunlight. Keep away from heat-producing equipment.
• Environment: Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration. Avoid tobacco ash, drink spillage, and smoke.
• Handling: Protect controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding. Take care when lifting or moving.
• Servicing: Switch off and unplug immediately if exposed to moisture, spilled liquid, damaged cord/plug, or if smoke/odor/noise is noted. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
• Installation: Install in accordance with the user guide instructions.

Introduction

The ART MX524 Five Channel Four Zone Mic/Line Mixer is a versatile rack mount mixer that combines five independent input channels and routes them to four zone outputs. Channels one through four accept a balanced Line or Mic signal via Combo jack connectors. Channel 5 accepts a line-level signal through RCA jacks. The unit features an independent selectable +48 Volt phantom power function for channels one through four. Channels one through four can also accept unbalanced line-level signals. Each channel has a level control and can be routed to any zone output. Separate level, bass, and treble controls adjust the sound of each input channel.

The ART MX524 is suitable for stage, studio, or permanent install applications including conference rooms, corporate boardrooms, churches, restaurants, small clubs, and health clubs. Its built-in power supply and triple-high 19-inch rack mount format allow for easy installation and reliable long-term operation.

Features

• Five input channels with individual level controls using XLR/Phono jacks, plus master level, bass, and treble controls.
• CH1 Mic/Line Input (factory set) automatically ducks CH2 - CH5 outputs.
• Balanced Mic/Line XLR inputs for channels one through four.
• Full +48V low-noise phantom power for channels one through four mic inputs.
• Front panel 1/8-inch stereo (TRS) mini-phone plug for Headphone monitoring.
• Four sets of Euro Bloc connectors for the Zone outputs.
• Telephone paging function.
• DC power back up.
• Separate monitor outputs.
• LED VU meter on all outputs.
• Rear mount RCA Line inputs for additional audio inputs.
• Rugged 3U rack-mount steel chassis with built-in power supply.
• Ideal for stage, studio, and permanent installations.
• Three-year warranty.

Unit Initial Setup

Before making audio connections, review if the CH1 Mic/Line input is needed as a main talk-over feature. The unit is factory set for this. If you prefer to use Channels 1 through 5 solely as audio inputs, an internal jumper must be moved to disable this feature. Refer to page 11, "Dedicated CH1 Mic/Line Ducking and Rear Priority Switch Function" for instructions on making this change.

Operation

Front Panel Controls

The front panel features controls for five input channels and four zone outputs, plus master controls.

1. Gain pot: Optimizes the input level for each channel. Turning clockwise increases the input level.

2. High pot (Treble): Adjusts high frequencies. Can minimize high-frequency noise or boost sounds like cymbals. Gain is adjustable from -10dB to +10dB with a center frequency at 10kHz.

3. Low pot (Bass): Adjusts low frequencies. Can boost sounds like vocals, kick drums, or guitars. Gain is adjustable from -10dB to +10dB with a center frequency at 100Hz.

4. Volume pot: Controls the individual channel volume levels.

5. Zone selector: Buttons (Z1-Z4) assign channels 1-4 to specific zone outputs. Engage a button to assign the signal to the corresponding zone; release to disengage.

6. Phone volume: Controls the monitor level for the Headphone jack.

7. Phone: The monitor signal can be sent to a pair of headphones via the headphone jack.

8. Monitor Volume: Controls the output level to the monitor outputs on the rear panel.

9. Zone 1 Volume: Controls the volume level of ZONE 1. (Similar controls exist for other zones).

10. LED VU-meter: A 6-segment stereo LED meter indicating the overall signal level.

11. MONITOR selector: Engaging these switches allows listening to selected zone outputs. Multiple selections result in a summation of their outputs.

12. Power (LED): A RED LED indicates when the MX524 is powered on. It turns off when the unit is powered down.

13. Power switch: Sets the unit to ON or OFF.

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides various input and output connections.

14. AC Input: Power inlet connector jack for connecting to the main power source.

15. AC fuse: Protects the unit from current surges and over-voltages. Replace only with the same size and style fuse.

16. AC Voltage Selector: Switch to select input voltage: 115V (100-127VAC) or 230V (220-240VAC).

17. Monitor Line Out: Barrier strip terminals for connecting to amplifiers or recording devices.

18. Monitor Low Z Output: Terminal for connecting a small external loudspeaker driven by an internal auxiliary power amplifier (nominal 1 Watt output). Only the mixed audio signal from "AUX IN" is included. Output is controlled by CH4, CH5, and audio signal level controls.

19. "Priority" Terminal: When shorted (e.g., via an electrical switch), audio signals from "CH2" through "CH5" are attenuated, making "CH1" the priority. This function is disabled if the CH1 ducking feature is deactivated by the internal jumper.

20. Input "Tel Paging": Terminals for connecting an auxiliary telephone signal. Features a "Voice Priority" function that overrides other input signals. The phone signal appears on selected zones (via rear dip switches), attenuating other sources in those zones. This works independently of rear priority and CH1 ducking.

21. Tel. Input (Zone & Volume):

• Zone: Dip switches engage the phone signal to zones 1-4. Set switch to low position to enable sending the phone signal to the corresponding zone output.
• Volume: Controls the volume of the sound source connected to the "Tel Paging" terminals. Turning clockwise increases volume. Keep at minimum when not in use.

22. "Line IN" inputs: RCA connectors for unbalanced audio sources with high-level output signals (e.g., Tuner, CD Player, Digital audio source). Features an input sensitivity switch.

23. Mono MIC/LINE channels: Combo jacks (XLR/1/4-inch phone) for balanced line or MIC level sources. The 1/4-inch jack accepts a microphone or line-level instrument. Do not connect an unbalanced microphone to the XLR jack, as it can damage the microphone and mixer.

24. CH1 Thru CH4 inputs sensitivity and XLR phantom switch:

• LINE: Connects audio sources with high-level signals.
• MIC: Connects dynamic microphones with low impedance.
• Phantom: Connects +48V phantom power to XLR pins 2 and 3 for condenser microphones. Recommended to use with general volume set to minimum.

25. Line Out Bal/Unbal: Euroblock and Screw terminals for connecting to other equipment like amplifiers or recording devices for Zone outputs.

26. DC Power Supply: 24Vdc input for operation. The unit runs off AC power when both sources are connected; DC supply is used when AC fails.

System Diagram Description

The system diagram illustrates various audio sources and outputs connected to the ART MX524. It shows connections for:

• Microphones (including Desk Top Microphone)
• Speakers (Horn speaker, Sound column)
• Recorders
• PA Amplifiers
• Digital Devices
• AM/FM tuner
• CD player
• Mains power connection
• 24V Battery connection
• Connections for "VOICE PRIORITY" and Aux signal.

The diagram visually represents how input signals are routed through the mixer to different zones and outputs, demonstrating typical system configurations.

Dedicated CH1 Mic/Line Ducking and Rear Priority Switch Function

The CH1 Mic/Line input is factory set as a dedicated talk-over feature. This ducking function can be deactivated by moving an internal jumper on the rear circuit board. Moving this jumper disables both the CH1 ducking feature and the rear priority feature. The chassis cover must be removed to change this setting. Diagrams show the jumper positions for active and defeated states.

Diagram Description: Two images show a circuit board with a jumper. The first image shows the jumper connecting the rear two pins, indicating "Ch1 Ducking and rear Priority switch are active". The second image shows the jumper connecting the first two pins, indicating "Ch1 Ducking and rear Priority switch are defeated".

Warranty Information

Limited Warranty (USA only)

Applied Research and Technology (ART) warrants this product and its components against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. ART will, at its option, repair or replace defective products or components free of charge upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or an authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase.

Exclusions

This warranty does not apply to misuse, abuse, unauthorized alterations, or repairs. It is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed. ART reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without obligation to install them on previously manufactured products. ART is not liable for consequential damages, including loss of use. Some states may not allow limitations on incidental or consequential damages. This warranty grants specific rights, and other rights may vary by state.

For units purchased outside the United States, service will be provided by an authorized distributor of Applied Research and Technology.

Service

If your unit requires service, follow these steps:

1. Verify the unit is the cause of the problem. Check power, cable connections, and cable condition. Consult your dealer for assistance.
2. If the ART unit is suspected to be faulty, visit www.artproaudio.com.
3. Select "Support", then "Return Authorization Request" to obtain a return authorization number.
4. When returning for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a suitable substitute. Consider using an additional shipping box. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box and your return shipping address.
5. Include a note with the RA number, contact information (including return shipping address and daytime phone number), and a description of the problem, preferably attached to the unit. Include a copy of your purchase receipt.

Please fill in the following information for your reference:

Date of purchase: _______________________________________________
Purchased from: _______________________________________________
Serial Number: _______________________________________________

Specifications

Note: 0 dBu = 0.775Vrms

ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.