Ashly digiMIX24 Digital Mixer - Operating Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Ashly digiMIX24 digital and networkable 24 input x 14 bus mixer. This owner's manual corresponds to digiMIX24 mixers with installed firmware version v5.0 or higher. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the features and capabilities of your mixer.

The digiMIX24 offers 16 high-performance discrete mic/line preamplifiers, an assignable auto-mixer, 4 line-level inputs, stereo tape inputs, stereo USB audio input, assignable cross-fade mode, DSP processing with parametric and graphic EQ, compressor/limiter, expander/gate, delay, invert polarity, two built-in stereo effects buses, four aux buses, and four subgroups that can switch to four additional aux outputs. It also features six DCA groups, sensitive LED metering, preset control, password security, and iPad® remote control via network connection.

Standard Features

• 7-inch color LCD touch screen for graphical viewing, assignment, and setup.
• Wired network interface for Ashly digiMIX24 iPad remote control app.
• 16 low noise mic/line preamps with Neutrik Combo jacks, dedicated trim controls, +48V phantom power, and phase invert.
• 4 aux sends and 4 subgroup outputs, switchable to 8 aux sends.
• 6 DCA groups for fader or mute groups.
• Cross-fade mode for panning between any two assigned channels.
• Stereo link for inputs, subgroups, and aux outputs.
• EZ-Mode for secure, simplified touchscreen or iPad® control.
• TRS inserts on channels 1-8.
• Digital inserts on channels 1-16 with optional Dante-32 or USB-32 module installed.
• 2 internal stereo FX with fully editable reverbs, delay with tap tempo, tremolo, flanger, and chorus.
• Automixer (gain sharing), individually assignable to input channels 1-16.
• Four additional line-level inputs on 1/4" jacks.
• Stereo RCA inputs and outputs.
• USB 2-track audio stereo record and playback.
• 100mm precision Alps® motorized fader.
• Pan control.
• High resolution delay (0.2mS) on every input, subgroup, aux, or FX.
• Expander/noise gate on every input and FX channel.
• Compressor/limiter on every input, subgroup, output, and FX channel.
• 4-band parametric/shelving EQ filters plus HPF/LPF on every input, subgroup, output, and FX channel.
• 31-band graphic EQ on main, aux, and sub outputs.
• Solo/PFL on every input, output, subgroup, aux, or FX.
• Stereo main output on XLR and 1/4" phone jack with dedicated level control.
• Headphone and control room outputs with level control.
• User presets for Scene Settings, DSP channel settings, FX settings, or GEQ settings, plus channel copy function.
• 32-bit A/D and D/A converters, 32-bit DSP processing, 48KHz sampling rate.
• Password security.
• Utility programs for firmware update and preset backup/restore (Windows® or Mac®).
• Internal 100-240VAC universal power supply.
• Safety/compliance: cTUVus, CE, FCC, RoHs.

Optional Features

• Dante-32 network audio interface, field installable, digital outputs for input channels 1-16 are selectable pre/post DSP.
• USB-32 multi-track audio interface, field installable, digital outputs for input channels 1-16 are selectable pre/post DSP.

Important Safety Instructions

Read and follow all safety instructions provided in the manual to prevent fire or electric shock.

• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not expose the apparatus to rain or moisture.
• Do not use the apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings.
• Do not install near heat sources.
• Do not defeat the purpose of polarized or grounding-type plugs.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
• Use only with the specified cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
• Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Mixer Controls Overview

The digiMIX24 features numerous controls for managing audio signals. Key controls include:

• Input Trim: Controls the gain of the analog mic or line input preamplifier.
• Input/Output LEDs: Indicate signal level.
• Select Button: Selects a channel for editing its parameters.
• USB 2-Trk I/O Port: For USB stereo audio playback or recording.
• Headphone Out: For monitoring main outputs or solo channels.
• Meter/Solo Button: Toggles LED bar indication between Stereo Main signal level or Stereo Solo level.
• Line 1 & 2 Level Control: Adjusts the level of inputs 17-18 and 19-20.
• Tape Level Control: Adjusts the level of tape inputs 21-22.
• USB Level Control: Adjusts the level of USB stereo inputs 23-24.
• Aux 1-4 Level Controls and Send Button: Control aux output levels and send input signals to aux mixes.
• Subgroup 1-4 (or Aux 5-8) Level Control and Sends: Control subgroup or aux output levels.
• FX 1 & 2 Level Controls, Send, and Mute Button: Control effects levels, sends, and mute.
• Main Volume Control: Adjusts the stereo output level to the main L/R outputs.
• Ctrl Room Level Control: Adjusts the level of the control room outputs.
• Headphones Level Control: Adjusts the headphone output level.
• DCA Set Button: Used to combine multiple inputs, aux, or sub outputs into one mix group for simplified control.
• DCA1-6 Buttons: Select a pre-defined DCA group for fader, mute, or solo control.
• Motorized Fader: The primary level control for all inputs, outputs, and DCA controls.
• Solo Button: Listens to one or more isolated signals in the headphones.
• PFL Button: Monitors selected solo channels at their pre-fader level.
• Clear Button: Clears all solo selections.
• Mute Button: Silences the selected input, output, aux, or sub output, FX, or DCA group.
• LED Faders/Meters Select Button: Toggles LED bar indication between signal levels or fader positions.
• Pan Control: Fades the selected channel from left to right in the mix, also used for Crossfade mode.
• EQ Bypass Button: Disables the PEQ or GEQ on the selected channel.
• Mixer/Long Faders Select Button: Toggles between different mixer display modes.
• Adjust Parameter Control: Adjusts the currently active or highlighted DSP parameter.
• Flat Button: Resets PEQ or GEQ settings, or Exp/Gate or Comp/Limiter settings.
• Enter (Tap) Button: Confirms selections or sets FX delay time.
• System Buttons: Accesses various system functions like EZ-mode, digital output settings, and more.
• Save, Load, and Copy Buttons: Manage mixer presets.
• Touchscreen Display: Provides graphical interface for mixer functions.

Getting Started

Follow these steps for a typical band setup:

1. Plug in all inputs, outputs, and speaker cables. Keep power amplifiers turned down.
2. Set input trim controls for each input to peak around 0dBu on the input meters.
3. Assign desired inputs to the main output using the Assign button or Sends button.
4. Select the main output and turn its level down.
5. Turn up power amplifiers, then slowly turn up the main fader or volume control to a comfortable level.
6. Verify all inputs can be heard in the main speakers or use the solo function.

Digital Audio Options

The digiMIX24 supports optional Dante-32 and USB-32 modules for digital audio I/O.

• Dante-32: Provides Ethernet-based digital AV networking for high-performance audio signals.
• USB-32: Offers multitrack USB audio streams for Digital Audio Workstations (DAW).

Digital inputs 1-24 are always pre-DSP and pre-fader. Digital outputs from input channels 1-16 can be set pre or post-DSP. Digital outputs from line inputs 17-20 are post-DSP but pre-fader. Digital outputs from aux, sub, main, and solo are post-DSP and post-fader.

iPad Remote Control

The free "Ashly digiMIX24" app for iPad allows wireless remote control of the mixer. Ensure the iPad and mixer are on the same Wi-Fi network. The app mirrors the mixer's touchscreen controls, including EZ-Mode. Password protection can be used to secure access.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and their solutions include:

• No sound: Check cables, phantom power, input LED meter, mute status, fader levels, assignments, HPF/LPF filters, and noise gate settings.
• Distorted sound: Check input LED Clip light, reduce input source or trim control, check fader levels, Comp/Limiter, and PEQ/GEQ boost.
• Excessive hiss: Ensure strong input signal and adjust input trim to achieve proper levels.
• Control does nothing: Verify the correct input/output/FX is selected and that the function is turned ON.
• No sound in headphones (solo): Check headphone volume, PFL status, fader position, and DCA/subgroup mute/level.
• FX not working: Ensure FX is defined, inputs are sent to the FX bus, and FX are assigned to outputs.
• iPad app issues: Verify network connection, ensure only one mixer is connected at a time, and check for firmware compatibility.

Specifications

Detailed specifications for microphone inputs, line inputs, TRS inserts, stereo line inputs, tape inputs, USB 2-Track I/O, maximum output levels, crosstalk, and channel DSP functions are provided in the manual.

Warranty

Ashly Audio, Inc. provides a limited warranty for its products. For units purchased in the USA, the warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for five years from the original purchase date, with exceptions for touch-screen displays and motorized faders (three years). Service requires a proof of purchase and freight prepaid delivery to the Ashly Audio, Inc. factory service department.