QSC MP-M80

Features

Overview: The QSC MP-M80 is a 16 channel input, 10 channel output music and paging mixer designed for retail and hospitality applications, as well as live entertainment, presentations, and conferences. It features extensive DSP and configuration possibilities, all accessed from easy to use apps, while housed in a compact, 1U, rack-mountable chassis. Configuration and setup are all done through the MP Install app, available for both iOS and Android tablets, as well as Windows and Mac OS computers. Operation and control can be accessed by up to 8 compatible smartphones or tablets (iOS & Android) running the MP Manage app.

Rear Panel:

• Audio Inputs: The MP-M80 features 2 types of inputs for audio and microphone signals:
  • Mic/Line: Four 6-pin Euroblock (Phoenix) connectors are used for inputting either Mic- or Line-level balanced signals into the mixer. Each of these can also provide 12V of phantom power for condenser microphones, if necessary. The MP-M80 includes a "ducking" feature that when activated can temporarily mute other source signals when a page is made with a microphone (not included).
  • RCA: Eight pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs can be used for inputting consumer audio device signals such as CD and media players. Each pair of inputs is summed to a mono signal.
• Audio Outputs: Eight line-level outputs are provided on four 6-pin Euroblock connectors for running the mixer's output signals to outboard amplifiers (sold separately). Four 15" jumper plugs, with 6-pin Euroblock connectors on both ends, are provided for a quick and easy connection to a QSC amplifier such as the MP-A40V or MP-A80V (both sold separately).
• Music On Hold (MoH): This dedicated transformer-balanced, 3-pin Euroblock connector can be used to output music from one of the input sources to a connected telephone system. The audio signal sent out from the MoH port has its bandwidth limited to avoid any low-frequency distortion when fed into the telephone system.
• GPI 1&2: Two General Purpose Inputs are provided on a single 4-pin Euroblock connector. These can be used with an optional hardware switch (not included) for recalling Scenes. GPI Open recalls the Scene associated with the switch being in the open state, while another Scene can be associated with the switch in the GPI Closed state.
• MFC (Multi-Function Controller): Two RJ-45 ports are provided for connecting a QSC Multi-Function Controller such as the MP-MFC Wall Controller (sold separately). MFCs are wall-mount controls that can be placed in the area or zone that it will control and provide the Source Name, Source Selection, Volume Level indication as well as Volume +/- controls. MFCs can also be used to change Scenes on the mixer. Two MFC ports are provided, each allowing up to 4 controllers to be daisy-chained to it, for a total of up to 8 MFCs.
• Ethernet: An RJ-45 port is provided for connection to your LAN (Local Area Network).
• USB: A type-A, 2.0 USB port can be used for firmware updates, configuration uploads, MP3 music playback (44.1kHz sample rate only), or can be used in conjunction with a USB WiFi adapter (sold separately) for a wireless connection.

Front Panel: The MP-M80's front panel includes the following:

• USB Port: This type-A, 2.0 USB port can be used for firmware updates, configuration uploads, MP3 music playback (44.1kHz sample rate only), or can be used in conjunction with a USB WiFi adapter (sold separately) for wireless control.
• Headphone Cue: A 3.5mm headphone jack can be used to monitor input and output sources.
• LEDs:
  • Status: Lights solid while mixer is booting up and goes off when unit is on and functioning properly. The Status LED will blink at a slow continual rate while the mixer is doing a firmware update. A blinking SOS pattern indicates the firmware update failed.
• Power: On/Off

MP Install App

Overview: The MP Install app, available for iOS, Android, and Windows, is designed to be used by the person installing and configuring the MP-M80 for the first time.

Control Panel: While working in each screen of the MP Install app, a Control Panel will be available on the right side of the screen, providing navigation options to all mixer controls, indicators, and functions with the following main sections: Inputs, Outputs, Mixer, Setup Wizard, and Menu. Operational controls available inside the main Control Panel include:

• Cue Level: This selects a virtual fader that is used to vary the Cue (monitor) output level for the currently selected Source, Input, or Output.
• Copy & Paste: Many of the mixer's settings can be copied and pasted into other selections, making setup a lot less time consuming.
• Prev & Next: These buttons navigate to the next or previous channel.
• Nudge Up/Down: Increases or decreases the value of the currently selected control, defined by the Fine button.
• Fine: Changes the amount the Nudge buttons will vary the selected parameter.
• Zero Ø: Pressing this returns the currently selected parameter back to its factory default.

Input Channels: The Inputs home screen displays an overview of all assigned input channels along with links to the various control groups, Setup, PEQ, Dynamics, and more. Any of the 8 Mic/Line (Euroblock) inputs, 8 pairs of RCA inputs, and USB inputs can be assigned as an input. Each Input has the following options for configuration: Setup, Overview, Presets, PEQ, Dynamics, and Gate.

• Input Setup: The Setup screen for each Input includes a number of functions that are primarily "set once and forget". Input Setup options include:
  • Stereo Link: Links/unlinks adjacent channels for stereo operation. The odd numbered channel settings are copied to the even numbered channel. Pan settings are mirrored.
  • Reset: Returns all settings to default values.
  • Input Name: Displays the name of the channel. Touching this will display a keyboard for renaming the Input.
  • Polarity: Inverts the polarity of the input signal.
  • Channel Safe During Scene Recall: This switch, when set to Safe, keeps the channel from being affected by a scene recall.
  • Input Trim: Adjusts the input sensitivity for the Mic/Line channels. Not available for the USB Player.
  • Phantom Power: Activates phantom power for all the Mic/Line inputs.
  • Video Sync Delay: A virtual slider allows audio to be delayed up to 100 milliseconds, helping correct any lip sync issues.
  • Delay Enabled: Engages or disengages the Video Sync Delay feature.
• Input Overview: This screen displays an at-a-glance view of all the settings for the selected input. Most controls on this screen also appear on other input screens. Input settings can be copied/pasted to other Inputs using the Copy & Paste buttons in the Control Panel. The following items are available in the Overview screen:
  • Preset: This button activates the Preset processing block for recalling and managing Presets. These are not available for USB or WiFi channels.
  • Reset: Resets all Input Channel controls to factory default.
  • Input Trim: Adjusts the input sensitivity for the Mic/Line channels. Not available for the USB player or WiFi paging.
  • Stereo Link: Links adjacent odd/even channels for stereo operation.
  • Phantom Power: Activates phantom power to the Mic/Line inputs.
  • Polarity: Reverses the polarity of the channel signal.
  • Gate: Available controls for the Channel Gate include: In, Threshold, Attack, Release, Attenuation, and Hold. Not available for the USB player or WiFi channels.
  • Delay & Enable: These enable and adjust the Delay. Not available for the USB player or WiFi channels.
  • PEQ: This selects the 4-band Parametric EQ along with the High-pass and Low-pass filters for that channel. Options include: In; HPF (High-Pass Filter), with a range from 20Hz to 2000Hz; LPF (Low-Pass Filter), with a range from 1kHz to 20kHz; Frequency, each of the 4 bands is fully parametric with a range from 20Hz to 20kHz; Gain, allows up to +/-15dB of boost or cut; Q, adjusts the "width" of the selected band.
  • Comp & AGC: The MP-M80 features both Compression and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) for each channel. Compressor options include: In, Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio, and Gain. Available controls for the AGC include: In, Max Target, Min Target, Max Gain, Threshold, and Release.
• Input Dynamics: This option allows detailed settings for the included Compressor and AGC (Automatic Gain Control). Each input can be configured for either the Compressor or the AGC and include the following options:
  • Compressor:
    • Compressor/AGC: Selects either option for that channel.
    • In: Engages or disengages either the Compressor or the AGC.
    • Knee In: Determines how abruptly or gradually the compressor transitions in and out of gain reduction.
    • Input Meter: Displays the RMS input signal level.
    • Reduction Meter: Displays in red how much the signal is being reduced by the compressor.
    • Output Meter: Displays the output level after compression is applied.
    • Reset: Sets all the controls back to their default setting.
    • Compressor Graph/Adjustments: A graphic display and corresponding controls are available for adjusting the Compressor with options for:
      • Threshold: The level at which compression begins.
      • Attack: The time it takes for the compressor to reach its maximum compression after the input exceeds the threshold level.
      • Ratio: The amount of compression applied to the signal.
      • Release Time: The time it takes the compressed signal to rise back to the threshold level.
  • Automatic Gain Control: This setting is used to compensate for variations in the audio level of the source material. Options include:
    • Input Meter: Displays the RMS input signal level.
    • Reduction Meter: Indicates how much the signal level has been altered by the AGC. The center (0) point indicates no change has been applied. Rightward movement of the meter indicates gain is being applied. Leftward movement indicates attenuation of the signal.
    • Output Meter: Displays the output signal after AGC has been applied.
    • AGC Graph/Adjustments: Displays a vertical graph from 0 to -60dB, with the following indicators displayed:
      • Max Target: Indicates the maximum level that the AGC will maintain.
      • Min Target: Indicates the minimum level that the AGC will maintain.
      • Threshold: Indicates the level at which the AGC becomes active/inactive.
      • Release: Adjusts how long the AGC holds its gain change after the input signal level changes.
    • Note: The AGC should not be used on microphone inputs if there is any possibility of feedback.
• Input Gate: This feature passes audio above a set threshold and attenuates audio below that level. Settings include:
  • Input Meter: Displays the RMS input signal level.
  • G.R. Meter: Indicates how much Gain Reduction is being applied.
  • Out Meter: Displays the signal output level.
  • Gate Graph/Adjustments: A graphic display of the Gate functions and controls lets you change the following settings:
    • Threshold: Sets the point where the Gate will allow audio to pass.
    • Attack: Adjusts how quickly the Gate reacts to a signal that exceeds the threshold.
    • Release: Adjusts how quickly the Gate attenuates the audio when the signals falls below the threshold.
    • Attenuation: Sets the amount of attenuation applied to the output when the signal is below the threshold.
    • Hold: Sets the minimum time the Gate stays open once it is opened, and the length of time the Gate stays open after the input level drops below the threshold.
• Input USB Player: The QSC MP-M80 can playback MP3 files from a USB storage device plugged into either the front-panel or rear-panel USB ports. All MP3 files must have a sample rate of 44.1kHz with the USB storage device formatted in FAT32. Audio files must be in the root directory and will be displayed in alpha-numeric order. The USB Player Input includes most of the same options available for the other inputs (PEQ, HPF, LPF, Compression/AGC, etc) along with additional controls for USB playback:
  • Audio Player: This button selects the Audio Player screen.
  • MP3 Songs: Displays a list of MP3 titles on the USB drive.
  • Digital Trim: Provides an input level control (-12dB to 0.0dB)
  • Playback Modes:
    • Normal: Plays files in listed order (alpha-numeric).
    • Shuffle: Plays files in random order.
    • Single: Plays the selected file one time and stops.
  • Playback Controls: On-screen playback MP3 playback controls include: Play, Stop, Next Track, Previous Track, Top-of-List, and provides a progress bar with start and end times.

Output Zones: The MP-M80's Output configuration is very similar to the Input configuration screen. A Home screen shows "at-a-glance" all of the Output zones, their Source, and block icons for each configuration option. A Setup icon for each Output Zone will display a row of icons at the top of the screen with the following selections:

• Output Overview: The Output Overview provides a view of channel settings and most of the controls that are present on other processing blocks, letting you quickly make changes to parameters.
• Output Sources: The Sources screen is where any available Sources can be assigned to an Output. A Sources priority can be selected as Primary or Secondary, which determines how they will affect signals on other Outputs. Each output zone includes two duckers that can be triggered by Priority inputs, for example a microphone input for paging can "duck" music outputs during an announcement. Output Source settings include the following:
  • Primary/Secondary: This switch selects either the Primary source selection and setup, or the Secondary source selection and setup. Signals at the Primary input will reduce the level of Secondary Source and Selectable Source audio. Signals arriving at the Secondary input will reduce the level of the Selectable Source's audio, but won't affect the Primary Source input.
  • Source Select: Displays a drop-down menu list of available sources for the Priority Input.
  • Source Level: Sets the volume level for the Primary or Secondary signals relative to the other zone inputs.
  • Override Zone Level: When engaged, this keeps the Primary Source from being affected by the output's master level control, allowing a page message to be heard at a pre-set volume no matter what the zone's level is.
  • Level: The level of each source can be adjusted relative to other sources.
• Output Presets: The MP-M80 comes loaded with a multitude of pre-programmed QSC loudspeaker tuning Presets, designed for specific models of speakers. Presets can be modified and stored as User Presets, which include Filter, PEQ, and Output Channel settings. A Recall Omit setting allows specific parameters to be exempt from changing when a Preset is changed. Parameters that can be omitted include: Levels and Sources, Speaker Tuning, and Processing Blocks (GEQ, HPF/LPF, etc.). Factory Presets are categorized by the Series of QSC loudspeaker and the Type of loudspeaker. User Preset storage locations include App Storage, MP-M Internal, and USB External. The Preset screen also includes tools for creating custom speaker Presets. Parameters include:
  • RTA (Real-Time Analyzer): Displays the amplitude of the channel signal in 1/3 octave bands with peak hold indicators. The analyzer's frequency scale runs from 31.5Hz to 16kHz and can indicate levels from -60dB to -5dB.
  • Parametric EQ: Six frequency bands that can range from 20Hz to 20kHz with -15dB to +15dB of adjustment, along with Q adjustment. Bands 1 and 6 can configured as High and Low Shelves.
  • HPF/LPF: A High-Pass Filter with a cutoff ranging from 20Hz to 2000Hz, and a Low-Pass Filter with a range of 1kHz to 20kHz.
• Output Graphic EQ (GEQ): A 28-band 1/3 octave graphic equalizer is available for each output channel, along with an RTA for a representation of the audio signal. Each frequency band includes an on-screen slider with a range of +15dB to -15dB.
• Output Anti-Feedback: For applications where microphones will be used for live sound reinforcement, the MP-M80 includes 12 narrow-band, anti-feedback filters for each output. The filters are useful for eliminating feedback frequencies while having very little effect on overall tonal balance. In most feedback situations, only 4-6 filters will be required. The Anti-Feedback system will automatically identify and display the suspected feedback frequencies in real time. The filter can be adjusted manually or automatically using the "Feedback Wizard".
• Output Loudness: Based on the Constant Loudness Contours that describe how the human ear perceives tonal balance, the Loudness function works with the output Zone Level control to maintain a constant tonal balance. A graphic representation displays the different Loudness Contours from low to high volumes. Parameters include the level at which a Loudness Contour will be applied (Threshold) and the amount of Loudness Contour applied.
• Output Limiter: This parameter prevents the output audio level from exceeding a preset threshold. A graphic display provides a visual representation of how much the signal level is being reduced by the Limiter. Adjustable parameters include:
  • Input & Output Meters: Provide a visual representation of the signal level before and after limiting.
  • Limiter Contour: Settings for the Threshold, Attack Time, Ratio, and Release Time.

Mixer: The QSC MP-M80 includes a built-in "virtual" mixer with Auto-Mix capability and an FX engine, allowing it to be used for meetings, conferences, or live entertainment applications. All of the MP-M80's Input Channels are available as a source to the mixer, and the mixer's stereo output can be used as an audio source for any of the MP-M80's Output Channels. Eight on-screen channel strips provide controls for:

• Inputs: Lets you select the input source. Choices include: Inputs 1-8 (Mic/Line), Inputs 9-16 (RCA), USB Player, and an FX Channel.
• Main: Gives access to the Mixer's main channel 6-band PEQ and RTA screens. The RTA provides a real time visualization of the audio signal. The PEQ includes six frequency bands that can range from 20Hz to 20kHz with -15dB to +15dB of adjustment, along with Q adjustment. Bands 1 and 6 can configured as High and Low Shelves.
• Cue: Routes the Input Channel's signal to the Cue (headphone) output.
• Pan: Places the signal in the stereo field.
• Levels/Level Meters: Virtual faders and level meters for adjusting each channel's signal level (pre-fader).
• Main Level/Main Output: A virtual fader and level meter is used to adjust the output level from the Mixer (post-fader).
• Mute
• Auto-Mix: This engages the automatic microphone mixer. This feature compares the signals from the input channels and applies level reduction (attenuation) where necessary. The Auto-Mixer senses which channels active and applies gain to those, while reducing gain on inactive channels.
• Mixer FX: The Mixer features an effects (FX) processor that can be applied to each Mixer input channel. The Effects Level can be varied from channel to channel, but all other Effects parameters are applied equally to all channels. Input and Output Level Meters display signal levels, while the Effect Controls provide adjustment parameters pertaining to that Effect. Available Effects include:
  • Mono Delay
  • Stereo Delay
  • Chorus
  • Pitch Shift
  • Dense Reverb
  • Lush Reverb
  • None
  • Cancel
• Mixer Presets: The MP-M80 includes factory presets for each of the available Effects. Effects can be modified and saved to either the Internal memory or USB External memory.

Setup Wizard: Setting up a multi-source, multi-zone system can be a complex project with many tasks that need to be completed. The MP-M80 makes setup easier by providing a Setup Wizard. This provides a list, in work-flow sequence, of individual tasks that need to be accomplished. As tasks are completed, they can be checked off using the provided on-screen check-off buttons. Each task includes a link button for one-touch navigation to the pages where they will be executed.

Menu: The MP-M80's Menu screen provides access to all the various utility functions including:

• Configurations: A Configuration is a design file that contains all mixer settings including presets, permissions, and scenes. A Configuration can be exported from one MP-M80 and loaded into another MP-M80. The second mixer becomes functionally and operationally identical to the first. Configurations can be saved and stored either in the internal memory or to a USB storage device.
• Scenes: A Scene includes the values of all settings for input channels, output channels, and the mixer section. Level, source selection, and mixer settings can be edited, at the installer's discretion, using the MP Manage app (more to follow).
• Scheduling: The Scheduling screen is used to set up a schedule for recalling scenes. Each scheduled recall is known as an Event, and can be done from the MP Manage app if enabled by the installer. The Scheduling feature is handy for automatically switching Scenes for daily, weekly, or monthly events such as for happy hour at a bar or restaurant which happens everyday at the same time.
• Controllers: This screen is where you can manage any connected MFCs (Multi-Function Controllers). MFCs are wall-mount controllers that can be used for Source selection, Volume, and Scene selection from within that zone or area. Each controller listed can be named and includes an activation switch for that zone.
• Smartphone: This screen lets you setup smartphone access profiles for controlling certain functions from wireless devices. Up to 8 smartphones can be listed along with which zone(s) they have control over and what functions can be accessed from that smartphone.
• GPI: Two General Purpose Inputs are provided for recalling Scenes using a hardware switch (sold separately) connected to one of the rear-panel GPI inputs.
  • GPI 1/GPI 2 Open: Recalls the Scene associated with GPI 1 or 2 when open.
  • GPI 1/GPI 2 Closed: Recalls the Scene associated with GPI 1 or 2 when closed.
• Report: The Report screen lets you enter information identifying the installation location, installer name, and facility contacts. The Report will be saved as an ASCII text file so that it can easily be copied and pasted into other documents.
• System Test: The System Test screen is a setup and trouble-shooting tool used to send test signals to the MP-M80's outputs. Each of the 8 Zones can be individually selected along with the type of test signal: Pink Noise or Sine Wave. A level-meter displays the output level of the source while the corresponding Gain slider adjusts the level of the test signal. The System Test screen includes an RTA display, both pre-and post-EQ.
• Network: When the MP-M80 is Ethernet connected to a wired network and has DHCP enabled, the mixer will automatically obtain an IP address. If not possible, it will auto-assign a link-local IP address. The MP-M80 can also be configured with a static IP address, if needed. A wireless setup can be configured if using an optional QSC WiFi dongle (sold separately).
• Security: The Security Setup is used to change the Admin Passwords for the MP Install and MP Manage apps. Default passwords are already assigned, but should be changed to prevent unauthorized access.
• Settings: The Settings menu lets you enable/disable USB playback from a USB storage device, set the Time, Date, and Time Zone. The Settings menu also lets you format a USB drive plugged into the unit as well as clear the Internal Storage.

MP Manage App

Overview: The Music & Paging Manager App (MP Manage) is a stand-alone app for use by the facility manager and staff. The MP-M80 installer can create up to 8 Smartphone Access Profiles that can be run on either smartphones or tablets. Devices cannot control the MP-M80 unless granted access by a user who has logged in as the Manager. To access the Manager Profile, the user must log in using the Installer created password.

Home Screen: The Home Screen provides links to the functional areas available to each connected device with the following options provided:

• Zones: Change the Source, Volume, and Lock/Unlock the currently selected zone.
• Scheduler: Displays a list of scheduled events with up to 32 entries available. A Scene is recalled when a scheduled event occurs. These can display the Event Name, Start Time/Date, as well as options to Modify or Delete entries.
• Scenes: This screen is used to recall Scenes or Presets from a menu. This option is only available to authorized devices.
• Player: This screen provides playback controls and settings for MP3 music file playback from an attached USB storage device. All of the previously mentioned USB playback controls will be available from this screen.
• Mixer: Allows Muting and Level adjustment for all of the input channels going into the internal mixer as well as the mixer's output. The mixer output can be used as a source for the MP-M80's main outputs.
• Paging: Four available screens let you record, preview, and then send page messages over the MP-M80 system.

Specifications

Inputs:

• Total: 16
• Mic/Line: (8) Euroblock (Phoenix)
• RCA: (8) Mono-summed pairs

Outputs:

• Total: 10
• Line: (8) Balanced Euroblock
• Music-on-Hold: (1) Transformer-balanced Euroblock
• Cue (Headphones): (1) Stereo 3.5mm jack

Audio:

• Sampling Frequency: 48kHz
• Processing: 32-bit floating point
• THD: <0.005%, +4dBu & -2dBr, 20Hz-20kHz, unity gain, any input to any output
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/-0.5dB, mic/line or RCA input to any output
• Dynamic Range: >106dB unweighted
• Crosstalk: >90dB typical, >80dB typical
• Gain (Mic Inputs): 51dB
• Maximum Input Level: +24dBu (Mic/Line), +10dBV (RCA)
• Maximum Output Level: +21dBu (Line-level), +10dBV (Music on Hold)
• Phantom Power: +12V on all mic inputs
• Latency: 2.3 msec

Input Processing:

• EQ: 4-Band parametric with high/low shelving option, variable 24dB/oct HPF & LPF
• Dynamics: Compressor or Auto Gain Control (AGC), Gate

Output Processing:

• EQ: 28-Band Graphic (1/3 octave)
• Anti-Feedback Filters: 12-Band variable notch filters
• Dynamics: Compression/limiter, ducker, loudness
• Delay: 100 msec
• Loudspeaker Tunings:
  • Factory: Intrinsic Correction voicing for QSC loudspeakers
  • User: 6-Band parametric EQ, HPF, LPF, (Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth; 12, 18, or 24dB/oct)

Other Connections:

• Ethernet: (1) RJ-45 for connection to router (not included)
• MP-MFC Ports: (2) RJ-45
• USB: (2) Type-A, 2.0 (USB WiFi, firmware and configuration uploads)
• GPI: (2) Euroblock

Additional Specifications:

• Power Requirements: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, universal power supply, IEC connection
• Indicators: Blue Power LED, blue Status LED
• Dimensions: Width - 19.0", Height - 1.75", Depth - 16.50" (incl. power cord)
• Net Weight: 7.0 lbs.