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The monitor is unlike that found on a traditional desk in that it has a feedback filter and can be routed to its own output for amplification on stage, or to the main amplified outputs. The monitor send channel, at the right of the master faders and LED bargraph, also has its own fader. A further seven preset delay effects are on offer a regeneration knob varies the number of repeats.
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In addition, a switch offers two variants of each setting (except for reverse reverb), a total of 127 programs. The built-in reverb offers a variety of effects, each with eight different preset delay settings. One slight departure from traditional mixer design is the way in which the reverb and effects returns are given their own fader, rather than a pot, which makes adjustments far more intuitive. Both tape and aux inputs can be used together, although any balancing will have to be done at the source. This is the perfect point to feed in a sub-mixer or stereo effects return (the provided return is mono), and is also ideal for a playback cassette deck, DAT machine or CD player. There is also a stereo auxiliary input channel which has nearly all the features of the main inputs, plus tape inputs and outputs allowing your performance to be routed to a stereo tape recorder. Any of the inputs may also be routed to the built-in eight-band graphic. One aux send is hardwired to the on-board reverb. The CDX 8:2's layout is traditional, input channels offering mic and line inputs, three-band EQ, one monitor and two aux sends, pan and a fader. Others in the range provide more inputs, less power and/or no reverb, but this review will hold true for the majority of facilities on offer across the range. Carlsbro's new range of powered mixers includes the CDX 8:2, which offers 300W of stereo power into 4 Ohms (or 150W per channel into 8 Ohms), and features a built-in 16-bit digital reverb. For small gigs, mixer amps are undoubtedly more convenient than separate power amps and mixers - add some mics, a couple of speakers, and you have an instant PA.
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