Crown MPX-6 User Manual

Page 7

IQ Mixer / Multiplexer  Hardware Installation

Rev. 0

Thank you for purchasing a Crown IQ mixer/multi-
plexer. IQ mixer/multiplexers are intelligent mixers
with special signal routing capabilities. Their intelli-
gence stems from a powerful onboard microproces-
sor which enables them to be controlled and
monitored by a Crown 

IQ System

®

. Each input and

each output can be individually controlled and, with
their 

distributed intelligence

™

 capability, continue to

operate even when an 

IQ System is not connected.

In addition to two main outputs (one for each chan-
nel), each model has a second set of ÷busš outputs
which are switched on/off by a relay. This enables
many mixer/multiplexers to be connected to a com-
mon audio bus without loading it down. They are
designed to work as stand-alone units in a small
audio system or as modules in a large audio sys-
tem.

Three different models are available to serve a wide
variety of needs. The 

MPX-6

™

 and 

SMX-6

™

 models

operate as 6x2 mixers. The 

AMB-5

™

 can operates

as a 5x2 mixer. Multiple units can be connected
together to form larger mixers. For example, a 

MPX-

6 and SMX-6 can be connected together to form a
single 12x2 mixer. They can also be connected as a
6x4 mixer.

The 

MPX-6

 is the simplest of the three models. It

provides basic mixing capabilities. All control and
monitor functions are handled by the 

IQ System.

The 

MPX-6 does not have the automatic mixing

capability of the other models because it does not
have input sensing.

The 

SMX-6

 

is more sophisticated because it has

sensing ability. A sensing circuit is located at the
beginning of each input to sense the input signal
level ahead of any signal processing. Similar sen-
sors are located at each output. These sensors,
along with its onboard intelligence, enable the 

SMX-

6 to perform many versatile functions like automatic
mixing, compression, and automatic level control.

The 

AMB-5

 has the same functions as an 

SMX-6

plus it has the ability to sense the ambient sound
level and automatically adjust its output level ac-
cordingly. In this way it serves as the ultimate
automatic level controller. Input 6 is dedicated as
the sensing input, leaving five to function normally
as a 5x2 mixer. Unlike the 

SMX-6, signal processing

is only available for Channel 1. Channel 2 functions
like an 

MPX-6.

In a standard 

IQ System, the IQ components like

the mixer/multiplexers are connected to the system
via the Crown Bus. The Crown Bus is a serial com-
munication loop which carries IQ commands and
data. IQ mixer/multiplexers are also able to bypass
the Crown Bus and connect (one at a time) directly
to a computer (PC compatible or Macintosh

®

). Once

configured, the mixer/multiplexers can be discon-
nected and allowed to operate by themselves.

Option 1

 allows an 

AMB-5, MPX-6 or SMX-6 to con-

nect to a host computer and serve as a Crown Bus
interface between the computer and other IQ com-
ponents. This eliminates the need to purchase a
separate IQ interface (IQ-INT) for a small 

IQ Sys-

tem.

Option 4

 allows an 

SMX-6 (only) to connect to a

Crown Local Net loop. The Crown Local Net is a
communication subsystem within an 

IQ System.

Using it, two or more 

SMX-6s can communicate

between themselves to keep track of the total num-
ber of open microphones. This information can then
be used to prevent feedback when more mics are
open.

Note: Options 2-3 are not presently available.

Please unpack and inspect the unit for any damage
that may have occurred during transit. If any dam-
age is found, notify the transportation company im-
mediately. Only you, the consignee, may initiate a
claim with the carrier for damage resulting from
shipment. Crown will cooperate fully as needed.
Save the shipping carton as evidence of damage for
the shipper’s inspection.

Even if the unit arrived in perfect condition, as most
do, save all packing materials so you will have them
if you ever need to transport the unit. 

NEVER SHIP

THE UNIT WITHOUT THE FACTORY PACK.