TAKSTAR MX3 Mixer Webcast Sound Card User Manual

User Manual
Mixer Webcast Sound Card

Preface

Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing Takstar MX3 Mixer Webcast Sound Card. In order to better understand and use the product, please read this manual carefully. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact our local dealer.

Features

• Pro stage/studio-level reverb, adjustable reverb amount and time, improving your performance.
• Pro digital amplifier circuit with powerful amp and dynamics, compatible with various mics on the market.
• Separate control for mic 1/2 to cater for different vocal tuning requirements.
• 12-level noise reduction, adjustable based on your ambient environment.
• 12-level ducking, which can adjust the music recovery time as per your broadcast needs.
• Audio panning to quickly adjust left and right channel balance on the fly.
• With 16 audio FX preset buttons, including 4 customizable FX buttons to bring much fun to your stream.
• Colorful RGB effects, controlled via on-board lighting button.
• Three mic interfaces for handling multi-person broadcast.
• With ø6.35mm instrument interface, suitable for instruments such as electric guitar and bass.
• Two OTG phone interfaces for lossless stereo transmission, usable with Apple and Android devices.
• Built-in high-capacity li-ion battery to secure about 5hrs unstopped stream.

System Requirements
Computer: Windows 7/8/10/11
USB Protocol: USB 1.1/2.0/3.0
MAC: macOS (10.10 or higher)
Phone: Android 6.0 or above, iOS 9.0 or above
Applications
Karaoke, webcast, recording

Package Contents

• MX3 Sound Card……………………………………………………………1 PCS
• ø3.5mm Audio Cable………………………………………………………1 PCS
• C2-5 OTG Data Cable ………………………………………………………1 PCS
• Type-C Data Cable…………………………………………………………2 PCS
• ø3.5mm-to-ø6.35mm Adapter ……………………………………………1 PCS
• User Manual…………………………………………………………………1 PCS

Specifications

Sound Card Specifications

• Data Transmission: USB2.0

• Sampling Rate: 48KHz/16bit

• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz(±3dB)

• THD: THD<0.5% 1KHz

• Headphone Output Power: 167.7mW/32Ω

• Headphone S/N Ratio: 90dB (A-Weighted)

• Net Weight: about 966g

• Dimensions: 28715158mm (LWH)

• Frequency Range: 2400-2483.5MHz

• Modulation Methods: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK

• Occupied Bandwidth: ≤3MHz

• Transmit Power: ≤20dBm (EIRP)
  Connector Specifications

• 2 * Headphone Connector (ø6.35mm, ø3.5mm)

• 1 * AUX Connector (ø3.5mm)

• 3 Microphone Connector (2 XLR+ø6.35mm, ø3.5mm)

• 1 * Instrument Connector (ø6.35mm)

• 1 * Speaker Connector (ø3.5mm)

• 1 * Computer Connector (Type-C)

• 3 Phone Connector (2 Type-C, 1 * ø3.5mm)

• 1 * Charging Connector (Type-C)
  Battery Specifications

• Battery Type: Li-ion battery

• Charging: DC 5V/1A

• Battery Capacity: 4400mAh

• Charging Time: about 4hrs

• Use Time: about 5hrs (48V off)
  about 4hrs (48V on)

• Charging Temp.: 0~45℃

• Working Temp.: -10~60℃

Note on the operating temperature: It is recommended to use the sound card within the normal temperature range to ensure the best performance and safety of the battery. Using the sound card in a hot environment above its operating temperature range may permanently reduce battery life. Using the sound card in a cold environment below its operating temperature range may temporarily reduce battery life and may cause the sound card to shut down. When returning it to a warmer environment, battery life will return to normal. If the temperature is too low, the sound card may not be able to charge, or may stop charging.
Note: The above data are measured by Takstar laboratory which has the final interpretation right!

Function Descriptions

1. Battery LED: The battery meter has four bars, each bar represents 25% power. When there is only one bar left, the battery LED illuminates red, indicating low power and requires charging in time. While charging, the four bars light up one by one; when fully charged, all four bars light up.
2. 48V switch: There are two 48V buttons. Press to turn on/off 48V power supply for MIC1 or MIC2 respectively. The 48V LED illuminates red when ON and goes off when OFF.
3. 10dB switch: Mic gain switch. Press to enable/disable mic gain for MIC1, MIC2, MIC3. The 10dB LED illuminates blue when enabled and goes off when disabled.
4. Denoise button: Press to enable/disable noise cancellation, which shields pickup of ambient noise. The denoise LED illuminates green when enabled, and goes off when disabled.
5. Dry button: Press to enable/disable dry audio for MIC1-3. Dry audio removes audio effects. The dry LED illuminates blue when enabled and goes off when disabled.
6. Mic chat button: Press to enable/disable mic chat function, which controls whether the accompaniment played in computer software is mixed/output to your live stream. If enabled, its LED illuminates green, and the accompaniment is not mixed. And if disabled, its LED goes off, and the accompaniment is mixed.
7. Bluetooth button: The LED flickers when Bluetooth is enabled and pairing; illuminates solid light when paired successfully, and goes off when disabled. Refer to “Bluetooth Pairing” for detailed pairing methods.
8. Mute button: Press to mute/unmute the mic. It illuminates red when mic is muted which prevents the mic from audio pickup, and goes off when unmuted.
9. Duck button: Press to enable/disable ducking function which can lower music volume as you talk. It illuminates red when enabled and goes off when disabled.
10. Light control button: Press to switch among 14 lighting effects, including five single-color modes, seven-color breathing mode, and eight mixed color modes.
11. FX buttons: There are 16 special effect buttons in total, including 12 fixed FX buttons, and 4 custom FX buttons, namely button A, B, C, and D, which can be customized via provided computer software. Refer to “Customizing special effects” for details. Each FX button is illuminated with a solid light. When pressed, the FX button plays its corresponding special effect, and flashes 3 times in animating fashion until the special effect finishes playing. You can press the FX button again while it’s playing to stop the effect playback and strobe light immediately.
12. Auto-Tune button: Press to enable/disable auto-tune function. It illuminates orange when enabled and goes off when disabled.
13. Key indicators: 12 indicators for 12 auto-tune keys, which are, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B. Respective indicator illuminates orange when selected.
14. Major/Minor switch: Turn to MAJOR/MINOR position to set major/minor key for auto-tune.
15. Key select buttons: Press ▲ to select auto-tune key in sequence from right to left, or press ▼ to select from left to right.
16. Tune speed knob: When auto-tune is enabled, rotate it clockwise to increase auto-tune intensity, and vice versa. This knob has no effect when auto-tune is disabled.
17. MIC volume knob: Control the volume of MIC1 and MIC2+3 respectively. Rotate clockwise to increase, and vice versa. Its surrounding ring LED lights up or goes out gradually in accordance with the volume level you set.
18. MIC EQ knob: Control the treble, mid and bass of MIC1 or MIC2+3 respectively. Rotate clockwise to increase, and vice versa.
19. Noise gate knob: Effective only if denoise function is enabled. Adjust the noise reduction amplitude of MIC1-3. Rotate clockwise to increase, and vice versa. Adjust according to the ambient noise level. The noisier, set the higher noise gate, and vice versa.
20. PAN knob: Adjust the left and right balance of the sound channel. Normal when set to the middle.
21. Headphone volume knob: 2 headphone volume knobs for adjusting the volume of headphone 1-2 respectively. Rotate clockwise to increase the volume, and vice versa.
22. Speaker volume knob: Adjust the speaker output volume. Rotate clockwise to increase the volume, and vice versa.
23. Recording volume knob: Adjust the volume output to the mobile phone. Rotate it clockwise to increase the volume, and vice versa.
24. FX volume knob: Adjust the special effect output volume. Rotate it clockwise to increase the volume, and vice versa.
25. Instrument volume knob: Adjust the volume of the instrument. Rotate it clockwise to increase the volume, and vice versa.
26. Exciter knob: Adjust the highs and lows quality of human voice picked up by the mic. Turn it clockwise to increase, and vice versa.
27. Reverb volume knob: Adjust the volume of the mic reverberation. Turn it clockwise to increase the volume, and vice versa.
28. Reverb time knob: Adjust the mic reverberation duration. Turn it clockwise to increase, and vice versa.
29. Pitch knob: Adjust to the middle to set as normal. Turn it clockwise from the middle to make the sound sharper, and counterclockwise from the middle to make the sound deeper.
30. Duck threshold knob: Effective only when the duck function is turned on, which can suppress the BGM playback from AUX input, Bluetooth and computer playback whenever you talk. For adjusting the duck threshold of MIC 1-3. Turn it clockwise to increase the suppression level, and vice versa.
31. Mic volume meter: Display the volume of the mic. The LED meter varies as the mic volume changes.
32. AUX volume meter: Display the volume of the AUX/accompaniment input. The LED meter varies vary as the AUX volume changes.
33. Monitor volume meter: Display the volume of monitor output. The LED meter varies as the monitor volume changes.
34. External audio source fader: Adjust the volume of the AUX input. Push it from bottom to top to gradually increase the volume, and vice versa.
35. Bluetooth accompaniment fader: Adjust the playback volume of Bluetooth. Push it from bottom to top to gradually increase the volume, and vice versa.
36. Headphone jack 1: ø6.35mm stereo headphone jack.
37. Headphone jack 2: ø3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
38. Mic interface 1-2: 2 XLR & 6.35mm combo mic interfaces, for connecting 48V condenser mic or dynamic mic.
39. Mic 3 interface: ø3.5mm interface for connecting to a dynamic mic or a condenser mic that does not require external power.
40. Instrument interface: ø6.35mm monophonic instrument interface, used to connect guitars, electric pianos and other instruments.
41. Accompaniment interface: Connect with external audio source through the AUX cable for playing accompaniment.
42. Speaker interface: ø3.5mm stereo speaker output interface.
43. ø3.5mm phone interface: ø3.5mm phone interface for connecting to a mobile phone for live broadcast.
44. Type-C phone interface: Support OTG function, and can achieve lossless digital transmission by connecting with mobile phone through the supplied C2-5 OTG data cable.
45. Type-C computer interface: Compatible with MAC OSX system, Windows 7 and above. Plug-and-play with auto driver recognition.
46. Power supply interface: For supplying power to the sound card through the supplied USB cable. Support charging and use at the same time.
47. Power switch: Turns on/off power of the sound card.

Operating Instructions

I. Operating Steps

1. Lower the mic volume and headphone volume on the sound card to the minimum before powering it up.

2. Connect the mic by hooking up the male end of the XLR mic cable to the mic interface marked with ” ” on the back of the sound card. If you are using a condenser mic that requires 48V phantom power, please turn on the 48V switch. Passive condenser mic can also be connected to the mic interface marked with ” “.

3. To connect a musical instrument, hook up one end of the ø6.35mm audio cable to the instrument interface marked with ” ” on the back of the sound card, and the other end to the instrument’s output port.

4. To connect a pair of headphones, if the headphone plug is ø3.5mm, simply plug it into the second headphone output marked with ” “, or into the first headphone output using the supplied ø6.35mm adapter.

5. To connect a mobile phone for live stream, there are two methods: a). via ø3.5mm analog connection; or b). via Type-C digital connection. It’s recommended to use Type-C digital connection as it is high-definition lossless transmission that offers benefits such as stereo, high fidelity, high dynamic, low noise and low interference.
   A. Type-C connection: Connect via the supplied C2-5 OTG cable, with the cable end marked with ” ” hooked up to the Type-C interface marked with ” ” on the sound card, the cable end marked with ” ” to your iPhone or Android phone, and the cable end marked with ” ” to a power adapter or power bank for simultaneous charging of your phone as you live stream.
   B. ø3.5mm connection: Connect via the supplied audio cable, with one end hooked up to the ø3.5mm interface marked with ” ” on the sound card, and the other end to the ø3.5mm interface of your phone. If your phone does not have a ø3.5mm interface, use an OTG adapter (not included).

6. To connect a computer, connect via the supplied Type-C data cable, with the cable Type-C end hooked up to the interface marked with ” ” on the sound card, and the other end to the computer USB port.

7. To connect an accompaniment phone, there are two methods: a). via ø3.5mm analog connection; or b). via Bluetooth connection.
   A. ø3.5mm connection: Connect via the supplied audio cable, with one end hooked up to the interface marked with ” ” on the sound card, and the other end to the ø3.5mm interface of your phone. If your phone does not have a ø3.5mm interface, use an OTG adapter (not included).
   B. Bluetooth connection: You need to pair the Bluetooth upon first use following below method: Power up the sound card, and by default, it will enable Bluetooth, with the Bluetooth indicator flashing blue while it searches for device to pair. Enter the settings of your phone, find and enable Bluetooth, wait until “TAKSTAR MX3” is discovered, then tap on it to connect. Once connected successfully, the flashing Bluetooth indicator becomes solid blue. The device will automatically connect to previously paired device the next time you enable Bluetooth. While Bluetooth is connected, press the Bluetooth button to disconnect, and its indicator will go off. Press and hold the Bluetooth button to clear pairing history, accompanied by flashing indicator light and “DuDu” prompt tone. Bluetooth function will turn off automatically if without connection for a long time. In this case, you can press the Bluetooth button again to re-enable it.

8. To connect speakers, use audio cable according to the specification of the speaker output interface, with one end hooked up to the speaker output, and the other end to the interface marked with ” ” on the sound card. Note: To avoid feedback howling while using speakers for karaoke, it’s recommended to use dynamic mics instead of condenser mics, point the mic pickup away from the speakers and keep a proper distance in between, lower the mic volume or the speaker output volume. Mic usage illustrations:

9. Adjust the volumes for mic, instrument and headphones to their appropriate levels respectively, as their sensitivity and impedance vary and thus require different volume levels. As for the appropriate range, consult a professional if necessary.

10. Adjust other parameters as per your preference (consult a professional if necessary) and start your live stream.

11. Charging instructions: The charging design of the MX3 sound card is separated from its data transmission to avoid interference from electric charging current during signal transmission. Therefore, you can charge and use the sound card at the same time via a power bank or a power adapter.
    ① Turn on the power switch of the sound card, if the battery meter light is off, it means that the sound card is out of power; if the battery meter only lights up one bar, it means lower power and requires charging.
    ② While charging, the four bars of the battery meter light up one by one; when fully charged, all four bars light up. Charging via 5V DC power supply will take about 4 hours to a full charge. When the battery is fully charged, please stop charging the battery to avoid overcharging.
    ③ Upon first time, it is recommended to fully charge the device first. If not used for extended periods, it is necessary to charge the sound card once every six months to avoid battery over-discharging, which will affect the battery performance.

II. Computer Settings
When using the MX3 sound card on the computer, you need to set the audio option to “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio”. Below examples are based on
Windows 10 and Mac OS, but the methods on other operating systems are similar and will not be illustrated here.
Windows 10 settings

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the lower right corner and select “Open Sound Settings”.
2. Select “Sound Control Panel” to enter the “Sound” setting dialog.
3. Select “Record” tab in the “Sound” dialog, and set the “Stereo Mix” device as the default device.
4. Double-click “Stereo Mix” to enter the stereo mix properties, select “Level” tab, and adjust the recording volume to 100%, as shown below.
5. Select “Listen” tab in the Stereo Mix Properties dialog, uncheck “Listen to this device” if not yet.
6. Select “Playback” tab in the “Sound” dialog, and set the “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio” as the default device, as shown below.
7. Double-click “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio” to enter the playback properties, select “Level” tab, and adjust the playback volume to an appropriate volume. It is recommended to adjust the volume to 100%, as shown below.
8. Music player settings: Take Windows Media Player as an example, if you want to send its music playback to your broadcast, simply set “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio” as the output device. You can then enable the mic chat function to stop sending the music playback whenever necessary, or use the ducking function to automatically suppress the music signal whenever you talk.
9. You can customize the broadcast effects via the FX customization tool, which is only compatible with Windows system and can be downloaded from the MX3 product page from Takstar’s official website.
   A. You can load your favorite sound effect to the sound card. For example, to add an entry sound effect onto button A on the sound card, follow below steps:
   ① Connect the sound card to your computer via the supplied Type-C cable, and open the MX3 FX customization tool.
   ② Right-click on “Entry sound effect”, select “Save to Device”, and then “Button A” from the four button options. Then a text prompt “Data transmitting, please wait” will appear, followed by a progress bar. Wait until the prompt text disappears to finish uploading the sound effect.B. Hotkey (shortcut key) allows you to execute specific sound effect by pressing certain buttons on your computer keyboard without manually clicking. For example, to set the entry sound effect to a key binding, follow below methods:
   ① Right-click on “Entry sound effect”, select “Set hotkey” (if the sound effect already has a shortcut, select “Modify hotkey” instead), then press the corresponding keys (e.g., F3) in the “Please enter a hotkey” dialog box, and then confirm.
   ② Right-click on “Entry sound effect” and select “Delete hotkey” option to delete the shortcut key binding of the sound effect.

MAC OS Settings

1. Connect the end of the supplied C2-5 OTG cable marked with ” ” to the TYPE-C interface marked with ” ” on the back of the sound card, and then the C2-5 OTG cable plug marked with ” ” to the Apple computer (use supplied Type-C cable if the computer uses USB-A port), and the Apple computer will automatically install the driver.
2. Double-click to open “System Preferences”, select “Sound”, and open  the “Sound” dialog, as shown below.
3. Click the “Input” tab, select “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio” as the sound input device, and drag the “Input Volume” to 100%.
4. In the “Output” tab, select “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio” as the sound output device, and adjust the “Output Volume” to an appropriate volume. It is recommended to adjust the volume to 100%, as shown below.

III. Phone Settings iOS System Settings

1. Connect the mobile phone via the supplied C2-5 OTG cable. For the connection method, please refer to the section on how to connect a phone for live stream.
2. Swipe down or up the screen of your phone, and the setting page will appear, then click the window with the ” ” icon in the upper right corner.
3. In the dialog that appears, check whether the speaker device is displayed as “TAKSTAR MX3 Audio”. If so, it means that the mic is connected to the phone successfully, as shows.

Android System Settings
Note: The sound card is compatible with most Android smartphones with OTG function. However, it may not work with certain smartphone models or apps due to incompatibility issues, which is not a quality issue. Please confirm with your device manufacturer on whether your device supports OTG function. For example, some smartphone models from OPPO and VIVO require enabling the OTG function manually.

Safety Instructions

To avoid electric shock, overheat, fire, radiation, explosion, mechanical risk and injury or property loss due to improper use, please read and observe the following items before use:

1. Please check if the power of the connected equipment matches with that of this product before operation. Adjust the volume to proper level during operation. Do not operate at over-power or high-volume level for extended time to avoid product malfunction.
2. If there is any abnormality during use (e.g., smoke, strange odor), please kill the power switch and unplug from power source, then send the product to the local after-sales service for repair.
3. Keep this product and its accessories in a dry and ventilated area. Do not store in a humid or dusty area for extended time. Keep away from fire, rain, liquid intrusion, bumping, throwing, vibrating, or from blocking any ventilation openings, to prevent malfunction.
4. Do not expose to water or splashes, and do not place liquid containers on top of the product, e.g., vases.
5. Unplug from power source before cleaning the device. Clean with a dry soft cloth. Do not use any thinner, solvent or cleaning agent.
6. Please abide by safety rules during operation. Do not use the product in places prohibited by laws or regulations to avoid accident.
7. Please use accessories designated by the manufacturer.
8. Do not disassemble or repair the product by yourself to avoid personal injury. If you have question or need service, please contact our local after-sales service. Unauthorized disassembly or repair may void the warranty.

Label Meanings

This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical
and electronic equipment (WEEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with WEEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.
About This Manual
This manual contains up-to-date technical specifications as of printing.
However, specifications contained herein may not conform to your particular product since Takstar is constantly improving its products. Also, specifications, devices or accessories available may vary from region to region. If you have any questions, please contact our local sales outlet. For the latest version/more information, please visit our website: https://www.takstar.com/

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http://www.takstar.com/

Guangdong Takstar Electronic Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 2 Fu Kang YiRd., Longxi Boluo
Huizhou, Guangdong 516121 China
Tel: 86 752 6383644
Fax: 86 752 6383952
Email: sales@takstar.com
Website: www.takstar.com
CMIIT ID: XXXXXXXXXXX
Made in China

References

• 得胜官网-广东得胜电子有限公司
• 得胜官网-广东得胜电子有限公司

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