Further Considerations; Ground Loops; Audio Connections; Background Noise - Ecler HAK310 Mode D'emploi

5. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS

5.1. Ground loops

Ensure at all times that no signal sources reaching the mixing desk and no devices
connected to its output have their earths interconnected; that is, earth should never reach them via
two or more different paths, as this could lead to humming which could even interfere with sound
reproduction quality. In order to avoid earth loops, ensure that the shielding of cables, if connected to
the chassis, are never connected with each other.

5.2. Audio connections

As a general rule of thumb, make the signal connections as short as possible and use the
best connectors and cable available. Cables and connectors are frequently held cheap, forgetting
that a bad connection can result in a poor sound quality.

5.3. Background noise

The use of active circuitry can yield, depending on the configuration, to a significant noise
level. The HAK mixer has been designed for the minimum possible noise. Anyway, the noise level
will always depend on the correct use and installation of the mixer. It is not the same setting up the
FADER at "2" and the MASTER at "10" that the other way round; FADER at "10" and MASTER at
"2". In the first case you get a poor signal to noise ratio that will be fully amplified by the master while
on the second we have a good signal to noise ratio only amplified by "2". As a result, the background
noise is greater in the first case than in the second one.

5.4. Cleaning

The front panel should not be cleaned with dissolvent or abrasive substances because
silk-printing could be damaged. To clean it, use a soft cloth slightly wet with water and neutral liquid
soap; dry it with a clean cloth. Be careful that water never gets into the amplifier through the holes of
the front panel.
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