FAQ PM5000

Input Channels

Has the sound quality changed compared to previous models?

With the PM5000, the elements of sound quality have bee n taken to the highest level through updated circuit design, grounding, and parts selection. Particular attention has been paid to areas that have the greatest influence on the sound — head amps, equalizers, and VCAs. The result is a warm and solid sound.

What's the hottest input signal that the head amps can handle?

The maximum input level that can be handled before the onset of clipping is +30 dBu.
The maximum gain of the head amp is 60 dB. The input pad offers 26 dB of attenuation.

Is the EQ different to that of the PM4000?

The gain and frequency ranges are unchanged, however, the tonal quality has been improved by modifying the circuitry. Tonal variations between the EQ being on (all gains at center) and off have been reduced. In addition, the curve of the gain controls around the center position has been moderated, making fine-tuning easier than on the PM4000.

What's the spec for the HPF?

It's a 12 dB/octave filter with a sweepable cutoff frequency between 20 Hz and 400 Hz.

On mono input modules, where's the direct out signal sourced?

The default setting is pre-EQ, however, you can change this to one of the following points by setting an internal DIP switch (not jumper wire) on each module.
1. Pre-EQ (default setting)
2. Post-EQ/pre-fader
3. Post-fader/post-on switch

Can aux signals be sourced pre-EQ?

The default setting is post-EQ, however, you can change this to pre-EQ by setting an internal DIP switch (not jumper wire) on each module.

What's LCR panning?

With LCR panning you can use the PAN control to pan the signal between the left, mono (center), and right buses.

What's the CSR control?

The CSR (Center-Side Ratio) control sets the relative levels of the center and side (i.e., left and right) channels when using LCR panning. When it's turned all the way to the left, no signal is fed to the mono (center) bus and the PAN control works as normal. When it's turned all the way to the right, with the PAN control set at center, the signal is fed to only the mono (center) bus. As you turn the PAN control from the center to the left, the signal is panned from the mono (center) bus to the left bus. And as you turn the PAN control from the center to the right, the signal is panned from the mono (center) bus to the right bus. With the CSR control set midway, and the PAN control at center, an equal amount of signal is fed to the mono (center), left, and right buses.

What's the bus configuration?

There are 35 buses altogether: 12 stereo aux buses (24 in total), eight group/aux buses, the stereo bus, and mono (center) bus.

Can optional stereo input modules be installed anywhere in the console?

Yes.

How many optional stereo input modules can be installed?

There's no restriction on the PM5000-36 and PM5000-28, so up to 36 or 28 stereo input modules can be installed, providing up to 72 or 56 inputs respectively. For the PM5000-52C, up to 20 stereo input modules can be installed, providing, with the 32 mono input modules, a total of 72 inputs.

When a stereo input module is switched to mono (i.e., [L+R] button engaged), how do the stereo inserts work?

The same signal is fed to both the left and right insert outputs. You must connect the return signal to both the left and right insert inputs. If you connect to only one input, the signal will not be fed to both the left and right stereo buses.

How many VCA groups are available?

There are 12 VCA groups.

Can the master output faders be included in a VCA group?

No. The stereo, mono, group/aux, and matrix master output faders cannot be assigned to the VCAs.

How are channels assigned to VCA groups?

The procedure is as follows:

  1. In the digital control section, press the ASSIGN MODE [VCA] button (its indicator flashes).
  2. To select a VCA group, press one of the VCA master [CUE] buttons (its indicator flashes). The VCA indicators of any channels already in the selected group will flash.
  3. Use the channel [CUE] buttons to add and remove channels from the VCA group. A channel's [CUE] button indicator flashes when it's in the selected VCA group.
  4. When you've finished, press the ASSIGN MODE [VCA] button again (its indicator goes off).

On the input modules, what points in the signal path are metered by the level meter and PEAK indicator?

The level meter displays the level of the post-EQ/pre-fader signal. The PEAK indicator monitors three points in the signal path — post-head amp, post-EQ, and post-insert — and lights up when any one of these points is 3 dB below clipping.

What's the spec for phantom powering?

Phantom powering is +48 volts, with a maximum current draw of 400 milliamperes.

What are the holes by the EQ controls for?

These are air vents for cooling. They reduce the fan noise and extend the working life of internal components. The life span of most electronic components is shortened if they're subjected to heat. Since several heat-generating components are located close to the EQ section, these air vents are designed to let warm air escape naturally and prevent the buildup of heat inside the console.

Won't these air vents be a problem with dust, or rain at outdoor concerts?

No. The console can be used just like any other piece of equipment.

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Master Outputs

How do I configure the group/aux buses for use as groups or auxes?

Group/aux buses 1 through 8 can be configured, in pairs (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8), as either group buses or aux buses (default configuration), offering eight aux sends, eight groups, or any combination thereof. Groups can be either mono (pre-pan), eight in total, or stereo (post-pan), four in total.
The available settings are:

GRP POST PAN:
The pair of group/aux buses are configured as stereo group buses. On the input modules, the group signals are sourced post-pan.
GRP PRE PAN:
The pair of group/aux buses are configured as independent mono group buses. On the input modules, the group signals are sourced pre-pan.
AUX:
The pair of group/aux buses are configured as mono aux sends, with independent pre/post switches and send level controls on the input modules.
Group/aux buses are configured by using utility parameter #7.

On the group/aux master modules, can the signals fed to the stereo bus be set so that they are not affected by the group/aux master [ON] switches?

Yes. The default setting is post-ON switch, however, you can change this to pre-ON switch by setting an internal DIP switch (not jumper wire) on each group/aux master module. Incidentally, the group/aux master-to-stereo signals are always controlled by the group/aux master faders.

Can the stereo aux sends be used in mono?

Yes. The [L+R] switches on the stereo aux master modules can be used to make the stereo aux sends mono. When an [L+R] switch is on, the corresponding left and right signals from the stereo aux buses are summed together on the group/aux master module. Note that the same signal will be fed to both the left and right stereo aux insert outputs, and you must connect the return signal to both the left and right insert inputs. If you connect to only one input, the signal will not be fed to both the left and right stereo aux outputs or the matrix.

What are the SUM GAIN controls for?

Previously, if you had many "hot"signals feeding a bus that was getting close to overload, you had to back off the faders of every input channel. With the SUM GAIN controls, you can attenuate the summed bus signal to prevent overloading. So instead of, for example, adjusting 20 input channel faders, now you can simply adjust a single SUM GAIN control without affecting the mix. The SUM GAIN controls offer up to 20 dB of attenuation, and there's one on each master output.

What are the Σ - PEAK indicators below the SUM GAIN controls for?

These indicators monitor the bus signals and light up when a bus signal is 3 dB below the onset of clipping. To maintain adequate headroom on the buses, if a Σ - PEAK indicator lights up, use the corresponding SUM GAIN control to attenuate the summed bus signal.

Can the SUM GAIN controls also be used to boost bus levels?

No. They're only attenuators.

How many matrices are there?

There are four stereo matrices and eight mono matrices.

Can the stereo matrices be used as mono matrices?

Yes. Stereo matrices 1 through 4 can be configured individually as mono matrices.
They're configured using utility parameter #8.

When using a stereo matrix as two mono matrices, why is it that signals from some group/aux masters or the mono master are not fed to both of the mono matrices?

Because the group/aux master's or mono master's matrix pan control is panned either hard left or hard right. It's best to set this pan control to center when using a stereo matrix in Mono mode so that the same signal is fed to both the left and right.

Can matrix sends be pre-fader?

Yes. The default setting is post-fader with the [ON] switch bypassed, however, you canchange this to one of the following options by setting an internal DIP switch (not jumper wire) on each master module.
1. Pre-fader, unaffected by the [ON] switch
2. Pre-fader, affected by the [ON] switch
3. Post-fader, unaffected by the [ON] switch
4. Post-fader, affected by the [ON] switch (default setting)

Are the insert inputs and outputs balanced?

Yes. All insert inputs and outputs are balanced and use TRS phone jacks.

Do all buses have sub inputs?

Yes. XLR sub inputs are available on all buses, including the cue and matrix buses. The PM5000-28, however, has no sub inputs for the group/aux buses, because of limited panel space.

What is the Master Solo Select function?

The Master Solo Select function determines how the Solo function works with the master outputs. Normally, when a master output is soloed, other master outputs of the same type continue working regardless. However, by using the SOLO SELECT [STEREO AUX], [GROUP/AUX], [ST-MONO (C)], and [MATRIX] buttons, you can set the Solo function so that the other master outputs of the same type are muted. For example, with the Solo function on (i.e., [SOLO] button indicator flashing), and the SOLO SELECT [MATRIX] button on, when a matrix master is soloed, unsoloed matrix masters are muted.
This is useful when using several matrices to feed several speaker clusters, because it allows you to listen to speaker clusters in isolation.
In addition, you can use the SOLO SELECT [STEREO AUX], [GROUP/AUX], [ST-MONO (C)], and [MATRIX] buttons to select several types of master output at the same time. In this case, the Solo function works within the selected master outputs. For example, if the SOLO SELECT [GROUP/AUX] and [MATRIX] buttons are both on, if only one matrix master is soloed, all group/aux outputs and the other matrix outputs are muted. However, the soloed matrix master will still output signals from a stereo aux master, the stereo master, or the mono master if they are assigned to it.

Can the talkback input XLR supply phantom power?

Yes. There's a [+48V] switch next to the XLR input on the top panel.

Is there a peak hold function for the bargraph meters?

No. Peak hold is unavailable.

What type of signals can the onboard oscillator produce?

Based on fixed settings of 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz, the sine wave output can be swept from 0.2 times to 2 times (i.e., 20 Hz to 20 kHz). Pink noise can be output continuously or in fixed 200 millisecond bursts at adjustable intervals of between 1 and 20 seconds.

What can be monitored via the [CUE] buttons in the VCA section?

All input channels assigned to each VCA can be monitored. Since these are post-pan signals, they'll be in stereo.

What is the Monitor Delay function?

With the Monitor Delay function you can delay the monitor and headphone signals so that they are time-aligned with the sound arriving from the main FOH speakers. The amount of delay can be specified in milliseconds, feet, or meters up to 1,800 milliseconds.

How many headphone sockets are there?

There are three headphone sockets: one in the monitor section on the top panel and one at both ends of the console below the armrest. All three sockets can be used simultaneously. The level is set by using the PHONES LEVEL control in the monitor section.

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Faders

Which faders are motorized?

All of the input channel faders and the 12 VCA faders are motorized.

Are these the same motorized faders as on the PM1D?

Yes. They're the same high-quality and reliable motorized faders as on the PM1D.

Are the motorized faders touch sensitive?

No.

Do the faders need calibrating?

Normally, this is not necessary. The maintenance DIAG program includes a calibration program, however, under normal usage, it's not necessary. Each fader is calibrated before the PM5000 leaves the factory.

The fader scales look different to those on the PM4000. Have they changed?

Yes. On the PM4000 and PM3500, the +10, 0, –10, –20, and –30 positions are equally spaced at 17.6 millimeters. On the PM5000, however, the +10, 0, and –10 positions are equally spaced at 24 millimeters, while the –10, –20, and –30 positions are equally spaced at 12 millimeters. This allows more precise setting between –10 and +10 dB. This revised fader scale has been used on all medium- and large-scale consoles introduced after the PM4000 and PM3500, including the GA, M3000, M2500, and PM1D.

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Scenes

Which parameters are stored in scenes?

  • Input channels: fader positions, on/off, bus send on/off, VCA and mute group assignments, fade time on/off.
  • Master section: master output on/off, group/aux-to-stereo or mono on/off.
  • VCA section: fader positions, on/off, fade time on/off.
  • Others: Scene titles, fade time.

Which parameters are protected by the Recall Safe function?

The Recall Safe function applies to the channel on/off and bus assign parameters. It does not apply to the fade time parameters.

Which parameters are protected by the Fader Safe function?

The Fader Safe function applies to all faders, including the VCA faders, and the VCA mute parameters.

Can the fade time be specified individually for each channel?

No. The fade time is common and applies globally to all channels. Different fade times can be specified for each scene.

How many scenes can be stored?

You can store up to 990 scenes. There are 1,000 scene memories in total (0 through 999), however, the first 10 (0 through 9) are read-only memories containing preset scenes.

Is there a way to back up the scene memories?

Yes. Scene and setup data can be saved on CompactFlash cards. You can choose to save all data, all scenes, the setup data, or the table data (MIDI program change assignments).

Can the data be stored on a PC?

Yes. If your PC has a CompactFlash reader, you can easily transfer the files via Compact- Flash card. Alternatively, you can connect a 9-pin D-sub cable from the PM5000's CASCADE A port to an RS-232C port on your PC. The data files are saved in CSV (comma-separated value) format.

Is it possible to check the contents of a scene before recalling it?

Yes. With the Preview function you can check scenes without actually recalling them.

Is it possible to recall the next scene with just one button?

Yes. In Theater mode, which is selected with the Utility function, each time you press the [INC] or [DEC] button, the next or previous scene, respectively, is recalled. Scenes can also be recalled via the GPI IN port (INC/DEC pins).
In addition, up to eight scenes can be assigned to the DIRECT RECALL buttons.

Can the setup data be saved, and is it possible to use several setups?

The PM5000 can hold only one setup at a time. This setup data can be saved onto CompactFlash card by selecting either ALL or SETUP in the save options. Although the setup cannot be simply switched, by saving several setups on a CompactFlash card, you can switch setups by loading them from the card.
The setup data consists of the following utility settings: Bus Mode, Safety & Protection, Monitor, Scene Recall, GPI, Cascade, and MIDI.

Is the PM5000 scene data compatible with the PM1D?

No. It's not compatible.

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Utility

How can I initialize the PM5000 to its factory defaults?

To initialize the PM5000, while holding down the [STORE] button, turn on the PM5000, and when the message "SURE? Y: 1 N: 3" appears onscreen, press the keypad's [1] button.

What's the life span of the internal battery, and what happens when it expires?

The internal battery has an expected life span of five years. When the battery's charge is getting low, the message "Low Battery" is displayed when the PM5000 is first turned on.
When this message appears, you should replace the battery as soon as possible. If the battery expires, the following data will be lost: scene data, setup data, fader calibration data, channel configuration data (i.e., 28, 36, or 52), and the date and time settings. If this happens, you'll need to use the DIAG program to set the fader calibration data and channel configuration data. Failure to do so may cause the PM5000 to malfunction.

Which PM5000 parameters can be controlled remotely?

Scenes can be recalled remotely by using MIDI program changes. The following parameters can be controlled by using MIDI control changes: input channel faders, VCA faders, input channel on/off, master output on/off, VCA on/off, and mute group on/off.

How can I check the version number, and update the internal software?

To check the version number, while holding down the [UTILITY] button, turn on the PM5000. The main version number, and the version numbers of the MAIN CPU, IN CPU, and OUT CPU appear on the display.
The internal software can be updated simply by inserting a CompactFlash card containing the new software, and turning on the PM5000. The internal software is updated automatically.

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System

Can the PM5000 be cascaded with a PM4000 or PM3500?

Yes. A PM4000 or PM3500 can be connected to the PM5000's CASCADE B connector.
The following parameters are then linked: VCA 1-8 levels (faders do not move), mute groups 1–8, input channel cue, and solo mode on/off.
When cascaded with a PM3500, the Master Solo Select function, Master PFL ([MASTER PFL] button), and Last Cue ([LAST CUE] button) are not linked. Using these parameters on either console will have no effect on the other console. In addition, the PM5000 does not support the PM3500's Cue/Solo VCA CUE PRE PAN parameter.

Can two PM5000s be cascaded?

Yes. Two PM5000s can be cascaded by connecting a 9-pin RS-422 crossed cable to the CASCADE A connector on each console. The following parameters are then linked: scene recall and store, VCA 1–12 levels and on/off, mute group on/off, and the Cue/Solo functions.

What is the GPI port for?

With the GPI port you can control some PM5000 functions remotely and control external equipment from the PM5000. The GPI port has three inputs, for talkback control, next scene recall, and previous scene recall, and eight outputs, which can be assigned to specific faders and used as fader starts, or linked to specific scenes.

What do I need to control the GPI inputs?

The GPI inputs are triggered when connected to ground, so they can be controlled using custom switch boxes and so on.

What'fs the maximum length for the PW5000'fs DC power cable?

The standard length is 3.6 meters. The maximum is 20 meters.

Is the supplied DC power cable compatible with the PM1D (PW1D)?

Yes. The PM5000 and PM1D use the same power cable, so they can be used interchangeably.
The PM4000 and PM3500 DC power cables look the same as the PM5000'fs, but they are in fact different, so cannot be used with the PM5000. The DC power cables supplied with the PM4000 and PM3500 are not designed to limit EMI radiation from the cable.

The DC output voltage of the PW4000 is ±19 volts. However, the PW5000 output voltage is ±16 volts. Does this affect the performance?

No. The performance is unaffected. The reason for using a lower voltage is to reduce the amount of heat generated internally, thereby extending the life span of the components.

Is it possible to turn off the CPUs and use the PM5000 manually?

No. Each panel of faders has its own CPU, and there's one main CPU, so the PM5000-52C, for example, has a total of five CPUs. These CPUs are very reliable, but in the unlikely event that a fader CPU did fail, the ability to adjust the levels of 16 channels would be lost. If the main CPU failed, you would not be able to adjust any mix parameters. If a CPU fails while the PM5000 was being used, all mix settings will remain as they are.

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Mechanical Construction

How do the size and weight of each version compare with the PM4000?

The following table lists the sizes and weights of each version of the PM5000 alongside those of a comparable PM4000. Differences are shown in parenthesis.

  PM5000-28 PM4000-24 PM5000-36 PM4000-32 PM5000-52C PM4000-48
Width (mm) 1,429 (+83) 1,346 1,667 (+81) 1,586 2,145 (+59) 2,086
Height (mm) 349 (+3) 346 349 (+3) 346 349 (+3) 346
Depth (mm) 1,113 (-8) 1,121 1,113 (-8) 1,121 1,113 (-8) 1,121
Weight (kg) 153 (+38) 115 179 (+42) 137 228 (+45) 183

Can I adjust the brightness of the LEDs and the gooseneck lamps?

Yes. The brightness of the gooseneck lamps can be adjusted by using the LAMP DIMMER control, and they can be turned off by pressing the [LAMP OFF] button. The brightness of the top panel LEDs can be adjusted by using the PANEL LED DIMMER control. And the brightness of the bargraph LED meters can be adjusted by using the OUT METER DIMMER CONTROL. All of these controls are on the meter bridge.

What wattage are the gooseneck lamp bulbs?

They're 12 volt, 5 watt bulbs. You can also use a halogen-type bulbs. The bulbs supplied are standard 12 volt, 5 watt bulbs.

Can I stop the fan?

No. However, you can set the fan speed to either low or high by using the fan speed switch located on the rear panel.

How noisy is the fan?

The following table lists the fan noise levels under various conditions. All measurements are NC (Noise Criteria) values. As a guide, the NC value for a commercial recording studio is typically between 20 and 25.

Conditions Measured centrally 30
centimeters above and 30
centimeters in front of the PM5000
Measured centrally at 1
meter behind the
PM5000 and at the same height as the fan
PM5000 (Fan speed: low) Less than 15 15
PM5000 (Fan speed: high) 23 23
PM5000 + PW5000 (Fan speed: low) 25 22
PM5000 + PW5000 (Fan speed: high) 32 34

Is it possible to attach a protective cover over the Scene Control section?

Yes. The two screws to the right of the scene control section can be used to attach a protective cover. You can also use the six screws located in between the input modules and the master modules to attach a platform for putting concert notes, papers, and so on, or to secure the cable of a talkback mic. All eight screws can be removed without affecting the structure of the PM5000. You can use 3-millimeter ISO screws if you like.

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Mechanical Construction

What's the size and weight of the PW5000?

W x H x D = 480 x 186 x 459 mm. Weight: 34 kg

What's the power consumption?

1,100 watts.

Can I use another PW5000 in parallel as a backup?

Yes. A backup PW5000 can be connected to the DC PARALLEL INPUT on the main PW5000 by using an optional PSL5000 power supply link cable.

When do the warning indicators light up?

• CAUTION indicators: If a ±16 V, +12 V, or +48 V output voltage is abnormal.
• THERMAL indicator: If the internal temperature is abnormal.
• STOP indicator: If the cooling fan stops.
The PW5000 shuts down when an abnormal voltage or high temperature is detected. If a backup PW5000 is connected, it will take over automatically and the show will go on uninterrupted.

Can I stop the fan?

No. However, you can set the fan speed to either auto or high by using the fan speed switch located on the front panel.

How noisy is the fan?

See Question 71.

How do I check that the PW5000 is working properly?

When the PW5000 is working properly, the POWER indicator and NORMAL indicators all light up green.

What is the maximum current available from each DC rail?

±16 V: 13.5 A max.
+12 V: 14.0 A max.
+48 V: 1.0 A max.

Do I need a dummy load to check the PW5000 when it's not connected to a PM5000?

With nothing connected, there will be no DC output. To check the PW5000 without a PM5000 connected, in the DC OUTPUT socket, short all the DC GNDs and the FRAME GND to the two REMOTE pins. Alternatively, use a dummy load that will draw at much current as a PM5000.

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