bEFACO HexMix Six Channel Performance Mixer User Manual

H E X M I X S Y S T E M
U S E R
M A N U A L 

INTRODUCTION

SIX CHANNEL PERFORMANCE CEMIXER DESIGNED FORE URORACK

Hexmix System is a six-channel performance mixer specially designed for Eurorack.
The system has two separate modules, the core of the mixer: Hexmix which has six channels with three-band EQ, mute, pan, and EQ section on the master, and Hexpander hat adds three auxiliary sends per channel, PFL, individual outs, and balanced output.
The mixer has a strong inspiration in classical DJ mixers, providing sharp EQs for enhanced performance, auxiliary send for effects, and individual outputs to record your performance per channel.
The unique Mute Section is a powerful tool for performances, providing a momentary mute function controlled by vactrols and adding a smooth release to the signal decay.
The system is designed to be placed in 6U, instead of the traditional 3U paradigm in Eurorack. So we will have every feature for each channel vertically as a conventional tabletop mixing deck. Hexmix can be used by itself, although in this manual we will be covering both Hexmix and Hexpander as a complete mixing  system.
In addition, Hexmix system is designed to work with Hexmix VCA module, so every output of the VCA will be linked to each input of the Hexmix system. For further information about Hexmix VCA and the rest of our modules visit our website befaco.org.

HEXMIX

Let’s take a look inside the Hexmix Module.
There are three connectors in Hexmix, please read carefully before connecting the module in your rack. 

1. Power Eurorack power connector. Please mind polarity so the red line matches the arrow in the connector and the white line in PCB. Used to power up the module.
2. Hexpander Connector Expansion port is only used if you are using Hexpander as well. The cable is included with the Hexpander module.
3. Hexmix_VCA Con Communication port. Do not connect power here! Only used if you also have an Hexmix VCA.
4. STMIX Expansion port Expand your Hexmix System with an extra 4-channel stereo mixer with an auxiliary input.
5. S200 Output level selector. You can either configure your master output to be Modular Level (5Vp) or Line Level.

POWERING THE
MODULE

PREVIOUS CONSIDERATIONS

1. Disconnect your cabinet from the mains.
2. Take a look at your module box. You will find two types of cables: 1x 10×16 channels – Power Cable 1x 16×16 channels – VCA Connect Cable
3. Connect power cable into POWER connector. Find the connector marked in the silkscreen.
4. Triple check the power cord polarity. The colored line on the cable (pin number one) is the -12V rail and must match the white line in PCB.
5. . If you plug the power cable backward or in the VCA Con Port you might burn it out and unfortunately, this is not covered by the warranty.
6. If you have any questions about this product please send them to: [email protected]

MODULE
REFERENCE
FRONTPAN CONTROLS

1. Channel Inputs
   Main Input of each channel.

2. Volume Control
   Volume control of each channel.

3. Mute Switch
   Three position switch with momentary and latch function for channel mute.

4. Channel Led
   Shows the signal level of each channel.
   Green indicates the presence of a signal and red indicate signal clipping.

5. Channel EQ
   Volume controls for the low, mid, and high range of the three-band channel EQ.

6. Channel Pan
   Control of each channel panorama.

7. Master Level
   Volume control of Master channel.

8.  Master EQ
   Volume controls for low, mid, and high range other three band Master EQ.

9. Master Output
   Master stereo output of six channels sum.

EXTENDED
THE  CHANNEL  STRIP

The signal passes through the various processes on the channel before being sent to the master section. All of these processes are located and controlled at each Channel Strip.
The Channel Strip is divided in four basic sections, that will go in the following order: EQ, volume, Mute and Pan.

Inputs
Inputs for every channel are located at the left side ofHexmix. Each jack is normalized to VCA Expanderconnection, so if you have a Hexmix VCA connected via the expansion port, you will have the output of each VCA to every input. connecting the jack in any input will disconnect whatever is coming from VCA.
Pan
Pan (or panning) is the spread of a monaural signal in a stereo sound field (L-R). At one extreme, the sounds appear in only one channel. In the middle, the sound is decreased  n that channel by 3dB, and the other channel is brought up to the same level so that the overall sound
Volume
The amount of audio level. If the volume increases, the audio level will increase, which
THE CHANNEL STRIP EQ
Equalization is the process of changing the spectral content of a sound by dividing the spectra in bands and altering the gain of these bands by amplify or attenuating.
Each channel of the Hexmix has a three-band EQ with level controls for Low (100Hz), Mid (1Khz), and High (100Khz) band frequencies. in a range of +/-12dB. This results in a sharp response and a bit of aggressive character. You can check this in the following graphic.

Mute
When an audio signal is muted, his volume is turned off.
In Hexmix, the mute is made by a Vactrol-based circuit. This topology provides a little release, which provides a nice touch when used in its momentary function.
Mute is activated by a three-position switch:
Up: The signal stays on.
Center: Mute
Down: This position is momentary, so when the switch is released it returns to the mute position.

MASTER SECTION

The Master section has it’s own EQ and volume control for the mix of all channels. Master EQ is softer than individual channel and it’s meant to provide control over the final mix.  t’s possible to change the output level from line to synth with the S200 switch located in the back.

Main Output
Main output for the mix of all channels. This output can work in modular or line level, depending on the position of the S200 switch located in the
Master EQ
Equalization controls for the master section, this act over the mix of all channels. Unlike the Channel EQ, the Master EQ has a +/-6 dB response. That results in a softer and with amplification, perfect to make little changes and provide some color to the mix. In the following picture, you can

Master Control
Manual control for the volume of the Master Section. The bicolor leds on the top of the control show the level of the mix. Green indicates the presence of a signal and red indicates

HEXPANDER

Now, let’s focus our attention on the second half of the system, the Hexpander.
There are two connectors in the Hexpander module, please read carefully before connecting the module in your rack.

1. Hexpander Connector
   The Hexpander has only one big connector in the backside. This connector power the module and handles the communication with the Hexmix

2. S201 Expansion port. Not used…. for now.

CONNECTING
THE MODULE
REVIEWS CONSIDERATIONS

1. Disconnect your cabinet from the mains.
2.  Connect expander cable to your Hexmix module. Please use only provided cable.
3.  If you have any questions about this product please send them to: [email protected]

MODULE
REFERENCE
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

1. Aux Returns
   Stereo return inputs with switched Line or Modular level signal.

2.  PFL Switch
   Activates pre-fader “cue” listening.

3.  Aux Sends Controls
   Level controls for each Auxiliar Send.

4.  Aux Master/Outs
   Pre and Post-Fader auxiliary send-outs, with master volume control.

5. Headphones Control
   Manual control for Headphones Output volume.

6. PFL/Out Control Manual control to crossfade between PFL and Master, at headphones out.

7. Level Peak Meter LED level meter. Shows the level of master or PFL

8. ain  Outputs Master Out and Headphones output in 6,5” Jack format.

9. Direct Outputs (post-fader/EQ) for each channel.

ENDS & RETURNS

Auxiliary Sends
An aux send is a secondary mix useful to add FX to more than one channel at a time.
Every channel has three controls, for sending signals to one of each auxiliary send.
Every auxiliary send bus has a master volume pot, that will control the level of the signal sent. There are two jacks available so it is possible to send the signal pre or post fader in  paralell, allowing to patch externally depending if it desired to have the original signal sent

Auxiliar Returns
Returns are stereo, having a switch to select if the signal is coming from synth or line level. Like this levels can be adequate, for example, either to a guitar pedal or a FX module at synth level. Use H (High) for synth signals, and L (low) for line-level signals. If you want to use returns with mono signals, use L IN as mono

MONITOR SECTION

OUTPUT SECTION

TECHNICAL  SPECIFICATIONS

H E X M I X
Current Needs
+12V: 106mA, -12V: 88mA, +5V: 0mA
Width 28HP
Depth 27mm

H E X P A N D E R
Current Needs
+12V: 137mA, -12V: 64mA, +5V: 0mA
Width 28HP
Depth 27mm

MISCELLANEA CREDITS AND INFO

Hexmix system was developed by Befaco Team in 2016 and 2017. Lead designer Pascual Rocher. Thanks to everyone that gave opinions and advice during the process and those who beta-tested and provided feedback to make the Hexmix system a great performance mixer! Special thanks to Jano for the help on routing the SMD version and Juan  Bermudez for his wisdom.

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https://www.befaco.org/hexmix| https://www.befaco.org/hexpander

References

• Befaco - Modular Synths
• Hexmix - Befaco
• Hexpander - Befaco

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