SWAMP M-Series Mixers


If you're the proud owner of a SWAMP M206, M210, or M210-P Mixing Desk and eager to dive into setting up for your gig – that's fantastic! However, you might have some queries about utilizing the mixer to precisely meet your setup requirements. We've put together a guide addressing common questions from our customers on using our mixers.


This guide is designed to help you get up and running quickly, but if you'd like to speak to our team about any specifics please don't hesitate to get in touch.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


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What is the difference between the MAIN L/R output and SUB 1-2 output?


The MAIN L/R output is where you'll be going out from your mixer to your PA, or other equipment.


While you may be lead to think that the SUB 1-2 output means for subwoofers, this isn't the case! It's actually just another output almost identical to the MAIN L/R output, but this one can be sent a slightly different mix of signals incase you need two separate stereo outputs from your mixer. Of course, you can use this for a subwoofer if you'd like, but in reality you can plug anything into it that you wish.


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My volumes are all turned up, why am I not getting any sound?


By default, the signal from the mixer only goes where you tell it to. You'll need to find the L/R button on the bottom of each channel strip and make sure it's pressed down. This will tell the mixer to take the audio from that channel and send it to the main sliders, where you can then adjust the final output volume to the MAIN L/R output to your taste.


If you have a keen eye, you may also notice the SUB 1-2 button at the bottom of these channel strips as well. This button does the exact same thing, but instead sends the signal to the SUB 1-2 outputs via the blue SUB 1-2 sliders instead. Think of it as a secondary output, you could use it for fold-back or even just to have a secondary mix. You're able to send signal to both the MAIN L/R output and the SUB 1-2 output at the same time this way.


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How can I direct the Bluetooth/USB input to the SUB 1-2 output?


By default, the media player signal goes directly to the MAIN L/R output. If you want to route it to the SUB 1-2 output (or both), you'll need to instruct the mixer to do so.


On the EFFECTS channel strip, look for the light-blue button labeled PLAYER ROUTE. This button lets you switch between routing the player signal directly to the MAIN 1/2 outputs or through the ST2 channel. Press down on this button to send the signal to the ST2 channel.


On the ST2 channel, locate the SUB 1-2 button at the bottom. Press this button to instruct the ST2 channel to route its signal to the SUB 1-2 outputs. You can also press the L/R button to send it to the MAIN L/R outputs.

Finally, ensure that the volume is up on the ST2 channel using the slider, and also confirm that the PLAYER LEVEL knob is turned up above the PLAYER ROUTE button.


Here's a diagram showing you the most important parts:


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How can I plug my guitar into this mixer?


Since the mixer only has inputs for mic and line-level signals, you'll need to use a direct injection, or DI box in between your instrument and the mixer. Have a chat to our team if you'd like a specific recommendation.


The primary purpose of such a device is to convert the unbalanced and high-impedance instrument signal into a suitable mic level and balanced signal ready to go straight into the microphone pre-amp built into the mixer's microphone inputs. There are both active and passive types, with the active ones either needing external power from a power supply, or phantom power from the microphone channel. The passive ones don't need any power at all, but may result in a slight loss in volume. 


While there can be a lot of confusing buzzwords if you're not a gear-head, the long and short of it is that a DI box is acting as a tiny amplifier giving your guitar that extra bit of volume needed to make the mixer think it's taking input from a microphone instead.


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What is phantom power or 48V? Do I need it?


The microphone inputs on your mixer can actually do two jobs at once. Not only can they take in the signal from the connection, but they can also act as a mini power supply for certain microphones and even devices such as DI boxes. You can switch this either on or off for all channels on your mixer using the +48 V button on the right hand side above the LED signal meter.


But what is it? Phantom power, also commonly called 48 Volts or plug-in power is a special type of power supplied from the microphone input on the mixer, through the wires in the microphone cable, and to the device connected on the other side. This is commonly used for condenser microphones which require power to work, and won't pass signal through without it. It is also used for active DI boxes, and even some inline pre-amps.


Dynamic microphones (such as the iSK DM58) don't need this form of power and won't be affected by it being on or off. Some ribbon mics can be damaged by this, so be careful when using it with those! We recommend making sure that all microphone channels are set to the lowest volume and all microphones are unplugged before turning it on or off, just to avoid any loud "pops" or in the extremely rare case: potential damage.


Hers's a reference showing where the button can be found:


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How do I connect fold-back speakers so I can hear what I'm playing on stage?


There's a few ways you can go about connecting speakers for a fold-back signal on stage. It depends on how much fidelity you'd like over the individual volumes of each channel in the fold-back mix.


Method #1:

The easy method involves just using the SUB 1-2 outputs for your foldback speakers. With this first method you can use the SUB 1-2 output switches on each channel you wish to go into the fold-back mix, and then adjust the final output level using the SUB 1-2 sliders on the right hand side of the mixer. This method is quick to set up and straightforward, but you won't be able to turn up a specific signal in the fold-back mix without also turning it up in the main mix.


Method #2:

The second method is how it was historically done on old-school mixing desks, and involves using the AUX send channel instead of the SUB 1-2 outputs. You may wish to use this method if you need to be able to control the volume of each channel in the fold-back mix, or if you don't want to use the SUB 1-2 outputs for fold-back (e.g. you're using them for something else already).


To achieve this, first connect your fold-back speakers to the AUX send output on the mixer via the 1/4" jack. This is located underneath the SUB 1-2 XLR outputs on the mixer, and is next to the FX send output.


Then, on any channel that you wish to send to the fold-back signal chain, locate the AUX POST/PRE button on the channel strip next to the the FX and AUX knob. This button will determine whether or not the signal for the fold-back chain goes through the channel fader or not before hitting the output. Press this button down so that the signal ignores the channel fader, and goes straight to the AUX output instead.


Finally, using the AUX knob next to that button, you can dial in the level you want that channel to send to the final fold-back mix. Repeat this for all channels that you wish to send to the fold-back mix, setting each level individually to your liking. Once that's done, you'll have a tailored fold-back mix ready for performance!


Here's a diagram showing you the most important parts for method two: