American Audio Mixer QD3 User Manual

							
American Audio®
Q-D3
™
  
“Battle Deck”
Professional Preamp Mixer
American Audio
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles Ca. 90058
www.americanaudio.us
Rev. 4/05 
						

							
Introduction: 
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio
® Q-D3™ mixer. This mixer is a rep-
resentation of American Audio’s continuing commitment to produce the best and highest quality audio 
products  possible  at  an  affordable  price.  The  Q-D3™  comes  with  a  1  year  limited  warranty!  Please 
read and understand this manual completely before attempting to operate your new mixer. This book
-
let contains important information concerning the proper and safe operation of your new mixer.
Customer Support: 
American Audio
® provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help and  to answer any 
question should you encounter problems during your initial set up or operation. You may also visit us 
on the web at www.americanaudio.us for any comments or suggestions. Service Hours are Monday 
through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
  Voice:    (800) 322-6337
  Fax:     (323) 582-2610
  E-mail:   [email protected]
To purchase parts online visit http://parts.americandj.com
Caution!  There  are  no  user  serviceable  parts  inside  this  mixer.  Do  not  attempt  any  repairs  yourself, 
doing  so  will  void  your  manufactures  warranty.  In  the  unlikely  event  your  mixer  may  require  service, 
please contact American Audio® customer support.
Do not discard the packing carton in the trash. Please recycle when ever possible.
  Q-D3™                                                          Introduction
  Q-D3™                                                                            Unpacking
Every Q-D3™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Care-
fully  check  the  shipping  carton  for  damage  that  may  have  occurred  during  shipping.  If  the  carton 
appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your mixer for any damage and be sure all equipment nec
-
essary to operate the mixer has arrived intact. In case damage has been found or parts are missing, 
please contact our toll free customer support number for further instructions, please do not return the 
mixer to your dealer.
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 2
Please  make  any  connections  before  you  plug  the  mixer  in.  Be  sure  the  Power  switch  is  in  the  OFF 
position before connecting other devices to the mixer. All fader and volume controls should be set to 
0  or  minimum  position,  before  the  device  is  switched  on.  If  the  device  has  been  exposed  to  drastic 
temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not switch on the mixer immediately. The arising 
condensation of water might damage your device. Leave the device switched off until it has reached 
room temperature.
Operating Determinations:
•  When installing this mixer, please make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat,   
  moisture or dust!
•  There should not be any cables lying around. Doing so endangers you as well as others. 
•  Do not operate the mixer in extremely hot (more than 30° / 100°F) or extremely cold (less than    
  5°C/40°F) surroundings. 
•  Keep the unit out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.
•  Operate the mixer only after becoming familiar with its functions. Do not permit operation by per-   
     sons not qualified for operating the mixer. Most damages are the result of unprofessional opera-
  tion!
  Q-D3™                                        Set-Up  Precautions 
						

							
•   For adult use only - Keep out of the reach of children.
•   Be sure that the local power outlet match that of the required voltage of the unit.
•   Disconnect
 from main power before making any type of connection.
•    Do not attempt any service. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
•   Never plug this mixer in to a dimmer pack
•   Always be sure to mount this mixer in an area that will allow proper ventilation. 
•   Do
 not attempt to operate this  mixer, if it becomes damaged in any  way.
•   Never operate this mixer when it’s covers are removed
•   To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this mixer rain or moisture
•   This mixer is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.
•   During long periods of non-use, disconnect the mixer’s main power.
•   Always mount this mixer in safe and stable matter.
•   Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be    
  walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords  
  at  plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the mixer.
•   Cleaning -The mixer should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
•   Heat -The mixer should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,    
  stoves, or other mixers (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•  Be sure to save the packing carton in case you may ever have to return the mixer for service.
•  Read all documentation before attempting to operate your new mixer. Please save all your docu-   
  mentation for future reference.
•   Do not spill water or other liquids in to or on to your mixer.
•  Do not attempt to operate this mixer if the power cord has been frayed or broken. Please route    
   your  power cord out of the way of foot traffic .
•  Always have the front gain controls set to their lowest level during initial power-up to prevent    
  speaker  damage.
•   The mixer should  be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
    A.  Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the mixer.
    B.  The mixer has been exposed to rain or water.
    C.  The mixer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in perfor    
        mance.
  Q-D3™                                          Safety  Precautions
  Q-D3™                                        Main  Features
•   VCA Fader for Q-Start Control
•   Adjustable Crossfader Curve - for crabbing
•   Selectable Voltage 115v~230v
•   2 Phono/2 Aux, 2 Line Inputs
•   Fader “Q” Start on both channels
•   Q-Start Compatible (for use with compatible  
   American Audio CD Players )
•   -30dB Rotary Kills for Treble, Bass and    
   Mids on both channels
•   Separate gain control for each channel
•   High output to headphones
•   Replacable/Adjustable Transformer Switches
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 3
•   Soft-touch rubber knobs for better control
•   Extremely clean signal to noise ratio
•   Light Control Signal Output Jack
•   Talk Over Button - Reduces channel output
   gain by 15dB +/- 2 dB
•   Dual Function Stereo LED Level Indicator -
     Indicated Master and PFL (Pre Fader Level)
     Signal Levels
•   Split Cue Monitoring
•   Cue Mixing
•   100% Push Button Kills
•   Push Button Kills 
						

							
American DJ would like to thank for your purchase of this great 
product. For those of you that are to impatient to read the entire 
user  manual  we  have  compiled  these  quick  start  instructions. 
We  hope  that  you  will  at  least  read  through  these  instructions 
to familiarize yourself with the basic understanding of the unit. 
The Q-D3 is part of American DJ’s continuing evolution in audio 
technology. This unit has been built and designed with the typi
-
cal DJ in mind, by DJ’s. We have attempted to provide you with 
the most reliable product on the market by using only compo
-
nents made from quality products.
MASTER LEVEL - Use this level control to set your volume 
output. Try never to send an output of more than +4dB to your 
system. Signal at levels higher than this will start to distort and 
may  cause  damage  to  your  system  and  speakers.  Remember 
that  a  distorted  signal  from  you  mixer  will  only  be  multiplied 
throughout your system.
CHANNEL TRIM LEVEL - The channel trim levels are not to be used as volume controls, never 
use the channel trim to set the output volume. These controls are used to aid in distortion control. Use 
these control to preset your signal level before the crossfader. With your channel faders in the maxi
-
mum position, use the channel trim level to set an average output level of about +4dB on you master 
level meter.
HEADPHONES  -  To  avoid  sever  hearing  damage,  always  be  sure  the  headphone  level  is  set  to 
minimum before plugging them in. Never put the headphone on without making sure the headphone 
level is turned down.
MAIN  MIC  -  The  main  mic  connector  uses  a  1/4”  jack  unbalanced  connector.  The  DJ  mic  has  an 
independent volume control. When feedback occurs when using the mic, try lowering the “low” level 
this may reduce the feedback. Always leave the mic level to it’s minimum level when not in use.
PHONO/AUX SWITCH (29) - This switch is used to change the selected input from phono level 
to line level and vice versa. Channels 1 and 2 may be switched PHONO/AUX or LINE. The selectors 
for AUX1/PHONO1 and AUX2/PHONO2 are on the rear panel (24).
Q-START FEATURE - This function works in conjunction with a compatible American DJ “Q”Start 
CD player. When used with a compatible CD player, you can use the crossfader to start and stop the 
CD Player with the slide of the fader. The ON/OFF “Q ”START switch activates this FADER “Q ”START 
feature.
  Q-D3™                                            QUICK  START  INSTRUCTIONS
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 4 
						

							
  Q-D3™                                                          Controls  and  Features
1.  FEATHER FADER PLUS CROSSFADER - This fader is used to blend the output signals of chan-
nels one and two together. When the fader is in the full left position (channel 1), the output signal of 
channel one will be controlled by the master volume level. The same fundamentals will apply for chan
-
nel  two.  Sliding  the  fader  from  one  position  to  another  will  vary  the  output  signals  of  channels  one 
and two respectively. When the crossfader is set in the center position, the output signals of both the 
channels one and channels two will be even.
2.  HAMSTER SWITCH -  This switch changes the polarity of the Crossfader (for crabbing). Channel 
1 will be activated by the right side of the crossfader (mixing from right to left), and Channel 2 will be 
activated by the left side of the crossfader (mixing from left to right).
3.  CHANNEL FADER -  These faders are used to control the output signal of any source assigned to 
its particular channel.
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 5
Top Panel
13
12111098
16
15
14
19
18
17
1
4
2
3
7
6
5 
						

							
  Q-D3™                                                          Controls  and  Features  Cont.
4.  CHANNEL  TRANSFORMER  SWITCH  (REPLACEABLE  AND  ADJUSTABLE)  - These  switches 
are used to select the input source assigned to each channel. Each channel may only be assigned one 
input source at a time. The  TRANSFORMER SWITCH may be used in an up/down or left/right pattern. 
To adjust the transformer orientation please follow the instructions on page 12.
5.  PFL BUTTONS -  These buttons are used to activate a channels “CUE” mode. A red LED next to the 
PFL button will glow when a channels cue mode is activated. Cue mode will send a channels incoming 
signal to the headphones. The cue level is adjusted by the  Cue Level Adjustment Knob (15). Be sure 
the cue level is set to minimum before putting a pair of headphones on. Be sure the  Cue Mixing Knob 
(14) is turned to the “CUE” position to hear the selected channel source.
6.  TALKOVER  BUTTON 
-  When  engaged  this  function  will  decrease  all  signal  levels,  except  the 
microphone level, by 15dB. A red LED next to the  Talkover Button will glow when the talkover function 
is engaged. In the OFF position all signals will remain at their normal levels.
7.  MICROPHONE  CONTROLS  -  These  controls  are  used  to  adjust  the  microphone  volume  output 
level,  treble  level,  and  bass  levels.  Turn  the  knobs  in  a  clockwise  direction  to  increase  the  selected 
value.
8. CHANNEL CUT BUTTONS - These buttons are used to cut out the Treble, Mid or Bass frequencies 
of the incoming audio signal. When these buttons are depressed the selected frequency level is cut by 
100%. When a Cut Button is engaged a red LED located directly above the specific button will begin 
to glow, indicating the cut function has been activated. Depressing the Cut Button will disengage the 
cut function.
9.  dB  METER MODE SELECTOR - This push button switch is used to change the operating mode of 
the  dB LED meter. When the switch is in the Master L/R (up) position, the dB meter will indicate the 
master  output  levels.  When  the  switch  is  in  the  PFL  CH1/CH2  (down)  position  the  dB  meter  will  use 
the left side of the meter to indicate channel one’s prefader level and use the right side of the meter to 
indicate channel two’s prefader level. 
 
10. LEVEL INDICATORS -
  The dual LED’s indicators are used to indicate either the master output level 
or the PFL level’s of channels one and two. The level indicators will directly reflect the operating mode 
of the dB Selector Switch (9)
.
11. CHANNEL GAIN CONTROL - This adjustment is used to adjust an audio source signal input gain 
for a channel. Never use the gain control to adjust output volume. Setting the gain level properly will 
ensure a clean output signal. To properly set the gain level controls:
  1. Be sure the Master Volume Control (13) is set to minimum (zero output).
  2. Set the Channel Fader (3) to level 7.
  3. Begin play on an audio source connected to the channel you are adjusting.
  4. Be sure the LED Level Indicator Function Switch (9) is set to the PFL CH1/CH2 position.
  5. Turn the PFL (5) function on, for the channel you are adjusting.
  6. Use the Gain Control (11) to achieve an average output level of +4 dB.
12. MAIN POWER SWITCH -
  This is the main power ON/OFF button. A yellow LED above the power 
switch will glow to indicating power is ON. Before main power is applied, be sure you have made all 
connections  to  the  mixer.  Also  be  sure  your  amplifier(s)  is  tuned  off.  Remember  to  avoid  damaging 
pops, mixer on first and turned off last.
13.  MASTER  VOLUME  CONTROL  -
  This  rotary  knob  is  used  to  control  the  master  output  level 
(volume). To avoid distorted output try to maintain an average output signal level +4 dB. Be sure this 
volume control is always set to zero before turning the unit on.
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 6 
						

							
14. CUE MIXING CONTROLLER - This knob selects the channel for monitoring. The monitor signal 
comes  from  the  Prefader.  This  means  it  will  not  be  affected  by  the  channel  faders.  You  can  monitor 
each channel individually. Connect your headphones to the HEADPHONES jack. Turn the CUE MIXING 
CONTROL  to  CUE  and  select  the  desired  channels  with  the  PFL  switches.  When  you  turn  the  CUE 
MIXING CONTROL to PGM (PFL switches without function), you can cue the output signal of the mixer. 
If the CUE MIXING CONTROL is set to the center position,
  you can cue both the channel signal you 
selected and the output signal.With the CUE LEVEL control, you can adjust the phones volume without 
changing the output signal.
15.  CUE  LEVEL  VOLUME  CONTROL  -  This  knob  is  used  to  adjusts  the  headphone  volume  output 
level. Turn the knob in a clockwise direction to increase the headphone volume.
16. HEADPHONE JACK - This jack is used to connect your headphones to the mixer allowing you to 
monitor the cue source. Use headphones only rated at 8 ohms to 32 ohms. Most DJ headphones are 
rated at 16 ohm, these are highly recommended. Always be sure the  CUE LEVEL VOLUME (12) is set 
to minimum before you put the headphones on.
17.  CHANNEL  EQUALIZER  (“ROTARY  KILLS”  -  BASS/MID/TREBLE  CONTROL)  -  Both  of  the 
channels include a three-band signal output EQ. These controls are used to increase or decrease the 
LOW’s, MID’s, and HI’s of the output signal. The Q-D3 features “Rotary Kills” with a -30dB to +20dB 
gain  control.  Turning  the  knob  counter-clockwise  will  decrease  a  particular  frequency  applied  to  an 
output  signal,  turning  a  knob  clockwise  will    increase  a  particular  frequency  applied  to  an  output 
signal.
18. FADER CURVE SWITCH - This switch is used to change the way the crossfader will operate. The 
crossfader can operate in three different modes, NORMAL CURVE and two types of QUICK CURVE 
(Quick Curve usually used for crabbing).
19.  Q-START ON/OFF SWITCH - This function works in conjunction with a compatible American DJ 
“Q” Start CD player. When used with a compatible CD player, you can use the crossfader to start and 
stop the  CD play. 
The ON/OFF “Q” START (8) switch activates  the fader “Q” start feature. When  the 
fader 
“Q” start feature is activated sliding the CROSSFADER (14) from left to right will play or cue any 
CD player connected to the controller jacks (16) on the rear of the unit.
  For example, connect a compatible dual CD player connect to mixer channels one and two    
  (refer   to your CD player manual for proper set-up). Be sure the Fader “Q” Start feature is 
  activated on  both channels. Slide the crossfader to the channel one position (full left) and    
  begin  playback on  CD drive one. Slide 
the crossfader to the channel position (far right). This    
  will immediately trigger the play function on CD drive two and return CD drive one to cue 
  mode. To return to normal fader operation turn the Fader “Q” Start 
ON/OFF SWITCH (8) to the  
 OFF position.
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 7
  Q-D3™                                                          Controls  and  Features  Cont. 
						

							
  Q-D3™                                                                Controls  and  Features  Cont.
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 8
20. AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR - This switch is used to adjust the operating voltage. Operating voltage 
can  be  toggled  between  115V/50Hz  or  230V/60Hz.  Always  be  sure  the  selector  is  set  to  the  proper 
voltage for your area before attempting to operate the unit. 
21. PLAYER CONTROL - These jacks are used to control the “Q-Start” function between the mixer 
and  a  compatible  American  Audio  CD  Player.  Input  mini  plugs  from  CD  player  controller  into  these 
jacks, input CD 1 into jack A and CD 2 into jack B.
22.  LIGHT  CONTROL  -  This  jack  provides  a  preset  mono  audio  signal  output.  There  is  no  way  to 
adjust this level, however this level will directly reflect the output level of the  Channel Faders (3). This 
buffered
 audio output should only be used for light controllers that can accept an external audio input. Great 
for
Touch Panels and Chase Controllers. 
23.  DJ  MICROPHONE  CONNECTOR 
-  This  jack  is  used  to  a  connect  a  microphone  to  the  mixer. 
Connect you microphone via 1/4 inch (6.3mm) jack. The signal volume will be controlled by the  DJ Mic 
Knob (7). The bass and treble levels can also be adjusted by the built-in microphone EQ (7).
24.  AC  CONNECTION  -  This  connector  is  used  to  supply  main  power  to  the  unit  via  the  included 
detachable power cord. Use only the supplied, polarized AC power cord. This cord is designed to fit in 
one direction only. Do not attempt to force a cord in if it does not fit, be sure the cord is being inserted 
properly
25.  RCA  MASTER  OUTPUTS  -  The  Master  Output  includes  a  pair  of  RCA  Unbalanced  Jacks.  The 
RCA jacks send a low current unbalanced output signal. 
24302928272625
23222120
3231 
						

							
26.  REC  OUT  -  This  is  a  low  current  unbalanced  output  source  designed  for  various  tape  and  CD 
recorders. The Record Out (REC OUT) level is dictated by the Channel Fader Level (3), it is not influ
-
enced by the Master Volume Control (13).
27.  CHANNEL  2:  LINE  2  RCA  INPUT  JACKS  -  These  Jacks  are  used  for  line  level  inputs.  Connect 
CD players or Tape Decks to LINE inputs. Line level musical instruments with stereo outputs such as 
Rhythm  Machines  or  Samplers  should  also  be  connected  to  LINE  inputs.  Turntables  should  only  be 
connected  to  “Phono”  inputs.  The  red  colored  RCA  jack  represents  the  right  channel  input  and  the 
white represents the left channel input.
28. CHANNEL 2: PHONO 2 INPUT/AUX 2 JACKS -  The type of input must directly reflect the selected 
mode of the  Line Level Selector Switch (29). Connect turntables equipped with MM pickup cartridge 
to PHONO inputs (All DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges). CD players or Tape Decks and other 
line level instruments may be connected to these jacks as long as the  Line Level Selector Switch (29)
 
is in the “AUX 2” position. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the white 
represents the left channel input.
29. LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH -  This switch is used to change the mode of PHONO INPUT 
JACKS  (28  and  31).  When  connecting  turntable  to  these  jacks  be  sure  the  switch  is  in  the  PHONO 
position, and when using line level input devices be sure this switch is in the AUX position. Always be 
sure main power is shut off before change the position of the Line Level Selector Switch.
30.  CHANNEL  1:  LINE  1  RCA  INPUT  JACKS  -  These  Jacks  are  used  for  line  level  inputs.  Connect 
CD players or Tape Decks to LINE inputs. Line level musical instruments with stereo outputs such as 
Rhythm  Machines  or  Samplers  should  also  be  connected  to  LINE  inputs.  Turntables  should  only  be 
connected  to  “Phono”  inputs.  The  red  colored  RCA  jack  represents  the  right  channel  input  and  the 
white represents the left channel input.
31. CHANNEL 1: PHONO 1 INPUT/AUX 1 JACKS -  The type of input must directly reflect the selected 
mode of the  Line Level Selector Switch (29). Connect turntables equipped with MM pickup cartridge 
to PHONO inputs (All DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges). CD players or Tape Decks and other 
line level instruments may be connected to these jacks as long as the  Line Level Selector Switch (29)
 
is in the “AUX 1” position. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the white 
represents the left channel input.
32. GND (GROUND TERMINAL) - Connect each of your turntables ground leads to either of the two 
ground terminal. This will reduce the humming and popping noises associated with magnetic phono 
cartridges.
  Q-D3™                                                                Controls  and  Features  Cont.
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 9 
						

							
  Q-D3™                                                                              Typical  Mixer  Set-Up 
C A S S E T T E   D E C K
TURNTABLE
TURNTABLE
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   Q-D3™ Instruction Manual Page 10
T R A NS
E C H O
S C R A T C H F L AN G E RP ARA M E T ER S G
L / C TN
T I M E A UT O C UE
S A M P L E P I T CH
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H OL DE J E C T /
S T O P
8 % /12 % / 1 6% O N / O F F