Formula Sound/Function One FF-6000  Best of both Worlds

Submitted by Lead   on 10-11-2005 02:11
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Specifications

Frequency Response	20Hz ~ 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
Signal to Noise Ratio	98dB
Headroom	22dBu
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.005% or less
Power Supply	AC 110-120 or 220-240V, 50/60Hz (internal switch)
Dimensions	( WxDxH ) 483 x 312 x 110 mm 19", 7 unit for the mixer, 1 unit for connectors
Input Specs & Terminals An extra gain trim is available per channel on the backside
CD/Line	10 x (RCA) +20 dBv / 47k
Phono	4 x (RCA) -8dBv / 400mV (Phono/line selection is via a concealed push switch accessible through a hole in the rear panel)
Mic	2 x(XLR) -/+4dBv (Phantom power available via internal selection)
Output Specs & Terminals
Master	1 x (XLR)
Zone	1 x (XLR)
Booth	1 x (XLR)
Record	1 x (RCA) unaffected by master setting
Headphone Monitor Out	2 x (1x Phone Jack 3.5 and 1x 6.3mm) Cannot be used simultaneously ! Do NOT use a lower impedance than 32 Ohms

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The features and layout of the Formula Sound FF-6000 were determined in collaboration with loudspeaker manufacturer Funktion One, who canvassed many DJs world wide on their requirements. The result is a mixer which is not only of the highest sound quality, but also incorporates the features and layout which DJs have asked for. Although the FF-6000 is a fixed format design the use of individual circuit cards per channel, PTH circuit boards, and all rotary controls securely mounted to the front panel, improve reliability and aid servicing should the need arise. A rear printed poly carbonate overlay to the top panel ensures that this mixer will still look good after many years of use and notation will never rub off.

The Funktion One/Formula Sound FF-6000 is essentially a seven channel mixer. Six of these channels are laid out to the left of the master section and the seventh is a dedicated microphone channel labeled ‘Console Mic’ positioned to the right of the master section. Gain trims are provided for all inputs accessible through the rear panel, as well as on the front panel. An 5 segment led meter and clip warning indicator per channel are present for indication as overload warning. Illuminated push switches control input selection, channel routing and cue, etc. Different shapes and sizes of push buttons along with colour coded illumination help to easily identify control functions .

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Inputs Selection
The FF6000 has a selectable input per channel. On channel 1 and 2 you can choose between Microphone and Line. On channels 3-6 you have a double setting : Phone/Line and Line. The Phone/Line selector is located as a small switch on the back of the FF-6000.

Gain
To keep your output signal at the right level you have a gain control per channel, each with a 5 segment LED meter that displays the signal level of this channel.
The normal reading for the meter is amber (yellow/orange) with peaks in to the red.
The Clip LED gives you an indication when the FF6000 detects clipping of the signal, adjust your gain down until the 5 segment meter gives a reading in amber.

Channel EQ Range
Treble	-23 ~ +5 dB (@ 10 kHz)
Mid	-23 ~ +5 dB (@ 1 kHz)
Bass	-23 ~ +5 dB (@ 100 Hz)

X-Fade
Each channel can be assigned to any of the sides of the VCA Cross Fader. The A/B buttons will illuminate red and green when selected. When no button (A/B) is selected the signal will bypass the Cross Fader.

Cue
Press this button for pre-listening the channel on the headphones. The button will illuminate when Cue is activated and the signal of the channel will be send to the headphones. You can select as many channels at the same time as you like.

Channel Fader
This is a 60mm linear fader produced by ALPS.

Lead's Tip : Do yourselves (and all sound engineers) a favour and keep the master VU-meter reading out of the red. This is the way to gain maximum benefits out of the sound quality of a mixer ( Maximizes Signal-to-Noise level). This is not only for Formula Sound mixers, but is is valid to all DJ mixers. Most sound systems in clubs and at events are set-up for a signal around 0dB. If you push it to far, most likely a compressor will ruin your sound or you might destroy the speakers.

Rotary Panel

Standard the FF-6000 is equipped with 6 linear faders but there is an optional Rotary Panel available. With only the use of a screwdriver. When the deck plate is unscrewed you can easily replace the fader panel with the rotary kit.



Cross Fader
A 45mm fader which can be used to make a smooth mix between the XF-A and XF-B busses. These can be selected for each channel individually with the x-fade button A/B buttons. The Cross Faders uses VCA (Voltage C ontrolled Amplifiers) to assure a disturbance free performance.


X-Fade Contour
This controls the curve characteristics in a wide variety. When set at it's sharpest, it cuts when the Cross Fader is 3mm from the ends of it's reach. An illuminated push switch (below the X-Fade Contour knob), which is operated through a small hole in the front panel, can be used to disable the volume control of the Cross Fader. Both FX1 and FX2 loops will still be operational.


Console Mic
The FF6000 has 6 channels and a 7th input for the main (Console) microphone. This will often be the mic that is used by the DJ or an MC that comes in range of the monitor speakers. These controls can be found on the top right corner of the mixer. The black VOL knob is used to adjust the volume of the microphone.

Mic EQ Range
Treble	-12 ~ +12 dB (@ 10 kHz)
Bass	-12 ~ +12 dB (@ 100 Hz)

The microphone can be pre-listened on the headphones by pressing the CUE button, this will illuminate when activate.


Cue meters
A 24 segment (LED) display will indicate the sum of all signal where the Cue button is activated. The proper reading for this level is amber (yellow/orange) with peaks in the red.
When no Cue button is pressed, this meters will indicate the Master level.

Cueing a Signal
When you want to pre-listen a signal without sending the signal over the Master outputs you have you Cue the signal.


You can select a signal for Cueing by pressing the Cue button that can be found in the same area as the signal that you would like to pre-listen (all channels, the console mic and both Effect Loops). You can chose as many as you like, each signal will be added to the Cue signal and will be send to the headphones.

Cue Balance
With the Cue Balance you can add the Master signal to Cue signal when rotated clockwise. If rotated all the way counter clockwise you will only hear all Cue-ed signals.


The proper setting is determined by your own personal feeling, adjust it until you feel comfortable. Some people adjust this setting many times during a performance.

Split
If this button is activated (illuminated) one side of your headphones is send a mono Cue signal and the other side has a mono Master signal. The Cue Balance sets the balance of the two signals.


O/P 24 Segment Display
In the centre of the Main section you see a meter that normally displays the Master Out signal. This VU meter is factory calibrated 0dB = 0dB (775mV) so the reading is for real !

Master
Directly next to the O/P meter is the Master volume control to adjust the signal level on the output of the FF-6000.
The insert on the master can be activated by pressing the button below the Master volume control.

Zone
Identical to the Master, this signal can not be pre-listened and is send out on a separate output.

Booth Monitor
This is a mix of channels 1-6 only. The Console microphone signal is NOT available on the Booth monitors to avoid feedback.


FX-A and FX-B
The Formula Sound FF6000 has the capability of connecting 2 independent external effect processor via a set of Insert Jacks. You need an insert cable to split each jack to a Send and a Return signal.

Balance / Pan
This are actually 2 names for the same function: shifting the volume to one side (left or right) or at any value between it.

Cue button
You can pre-listen the Return signal by pressing the button. The signal will be send to your headphones.

Latch On
To activate the Send/Return you press the Latch On button. After hitting the button the effect will stay activated until you press it again.

Fx Mix
Once an effect Send/Return is enabled you can control the mix of the Send signal (DRY) and the Return signal (WET, with effects applied)

Punch
With the Punch button you can temperately send a signal through the Send/Return for as long as you keep the button pressed.

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