Roland M-380 Music Mixer User Manual


 
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Active in a wide range of venues
The V-Mixing System Advantage
To achieve superior sound quality, the I/O unit(s) (Digital Snake) and the mixer (V-Mixer) are separate. Before A/D
conversion, the input enters the discreetly designed, high-quality preamp, which is then digitally transmitted to the
mixer over REAC protocol. By having the mic preamps closer to their source and by avoiding the transmission
losses of long runs of analog cables, audio has a chance to sound its best throughout the whole system. The
system provides superior clear sound, great intelligibility and with the wide range of Digital Snakes and REAC
Merge Technology there is incredible flexibility for placement of audio inputs and outputs on-stage, off-stage, at
FOH or in amplifier rooms.
From Analog Console to V-Mixing System
Large Analog SR Console + Outboard Effects Racks
IN
Advantage #1
Superior Sound Quality
Knobs and buttons for Preamp, EQ, and PAN are located on the front panel of the V-Mixer for intuitive, analog-like
operation. Dedicated buttons for direct access to the patchbay and effects are also located on the front panel.
With the on-board HELP system it's easy to learn and operate the V-Mixer.
Advantage #2
Intuitive User Interface
Simple and Flexible High-Quality Sound - REAC: Next Generation Audio Transmission Technology
Stage monitoring is crucial in getting the best performance from any artist. The V-Mixing System seamlessly
integrates with the M-48 Live Personal Mixer allowing full control of set-up and mixing of any musicians M-48
directly from the V-Mixer interface. Musicians around the world have chosen the M-48 as their personal mixing
system of choice because of the unprecedented level of control and amazing sound quality.
Advantage #3
The Musician's Choice for Personal Mixing
The demand for live recording has increased as live sound mixing has become digital. Connecting a PC for
recording to the V-Mixing System is a simple Cat5e connection. Live recording of up to 40 channels is easily
captured with SONAR DAW software from Cakewalk. Additionally, you can record a master mix directly from the
V-Mixer to a USB flash drive.
The foundation of the V-Mixing System is “REAC” (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication), the digital audio transmission technology developed by Roland. As a result of this technology, a
flexible V-Mixing System can be constructed to match any venue using the Digital Snake and other REAC components. REAC is an Ethernet based technology, allowing devices to be
connected easily with a standard CAT5e LAN cable. REAC can transmit up to 40x40 channels of uncompressed
24bit digital audio data, volume level information, and various control data using a single cable.
Much more than just a console replacement.
Unlike other digital consoles, the V-Mixing System is not just a simple digital version of an analog
console. The V-Mixing System offers a total solution for audio input and output transmission/splitting,
personal mixing and multi-channel recording in a totally integrated system. As the centerpiece of the
system, the V-Mixer includes a built-in recording/playback function and effects, digital scene recall and
user customizations and level management. To replicate all the functions of the M-300 with an analog
console system, a vast array of equipment would be required. A 32ch analog console, 32 separate
compressors, 32 separate gates, 4 separate stereo multi-effect units, 15 separate 8-band parametric
EQs and delays, and a digital recorder. All that is built into the M-300 with the added ability for every
setup to be easily saved and recalled. More than a console - it's a complete system.
By placing the preamps as close to the source as possible, sound quality deterioration during
transmission is minimized to the lowest possible level.
In the past, multiple analog cables were used to transmit data at low gain levels, which caused problems such as
unwanted noise, sound quality deterioration, and crosstalk between channels. With REAC, those problems have
been eliminated since the pre-amp gain is set before the data is transmitted digitally. REAC technology not only
provides superb sound quality, but also enables easy setup and installation.
Advantage #4
Live Recording of Up to 40 Channels
At Covenant Family Worship Center (a multi-cultural, non-denominational church in Fredericksburg, Virginia),
technology and media department head Stephen W. Stafford uses the V-Mixing System including the Live
Personal Mixing system for regular Sunday services and other events. He finds that the V-Mixing System has
“allowed us to utilize volunteers with little or no previous audio engineering experience to effectively control the
audio system”. He reflects that the benefits of the personal monitoring system are twofold. “First, it relieves the
audio volunteers from the additional responsibility and concern for the monitor mix. Second, it allows each
musician to tailor their stage mix as needed on an individual basis.” Stafford acknowledges he enjoys the “store
and recall of settings, and signal integrity over Cat5. In total, Ive experienced state-of-the-art audio production
on an unrivaled affordability scale.”
Covenant Family Worship Center, USA
The arena, which is based inside the National Ice Centre, holds many concerts/events for major acts with a
capacity of 10,000. Adam Timson facilities manager says “The brief we were working to was the seamless
replacement of our large 32 channel analog mixing desk ensuring there would be no loss of quality, features or
usability. We looked at quite a few different options but after consultation with Simon Taylor of One Big Star and
Andy Hague, our tame sound engineer, we decided the M-380 V-Mixer with Digital Snake best suited our needs
and budget. It has a 19" footprint which allows us to move it easily and the Digital Snake means we can plug it in
using just a single mains lead and single Cat5 cable. Since the M-380 was installed we have been happy with its
performance and find the menus easy to navigate. We are able to save specific set ups and still adjust on the fly
when we need to. The desk is as flexible as we are.”
Trent FM Arena Nottingham, UK
Pope Benedict XVI made a pilgrimage to this sanctuary in Fátima. Several ceremonies were held, which were
followed by more than 450,000 attendees as well as millions of people around the world through television, radio
and internet. All these events were mixed and split via 5 M-400 V-Mixers, and audio signals were distributed using
Digital Snake systems via cable CAT5e to different split points such as television, radio and internet. Choosing this
system was based on a previously successful experience during a 2007 visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Valencia
(Spain) where a large number of Digital Snakes were installed. Fátima Sanctuary has two V-Mixing Systems: one in
the control room of the sanctuary as a central point for audio monitoring and a second unit in the new Church of the
Holy Trinity with a capacity of 9000.
Pope Benedict XVI in Fátima, Portugal
There are reasons why sound professionals and venues
around the globe have chosen the V-Mixing System.