Boredbrain Music Cue Eurorack PFL Monitor Expander Module (Xcelon)

Manufacturer's description

PFL CHANNEL MONITOR

• Monitor up to 14 audio sources from Xcelon mixer and channel expanders
• Individual cue buttons for channels 1 thru 12, FX returns and main mix
• Dedicated headphone output with independent level control
• Additional eurorack-level stereo output for alternate cue bus routing
• Also connects to IO module to cue other eurorack audio signals

Preview in the moment

Xcelon Cue is a dedicated channel monitoring expander for the Xcelon eurorack mixer. Designed primarily for live performance scenarios, the module allows for selectable pre-fader listening of any channel, the two FX returns and/or the main mix in a fully expanded Xcelon mix system.

The slim 6HP module provides an additional cue mix bus to the Xcelon mix system intended for individual channel monitoring while performing. Channels can be selected individually and simultaneously to monitor in headphones or to patch elsewhere, without affecting the main mix busses.

Connection & Configuration

On the back of the Cue module are five direct input ports that each accept three stereo sources (six signals). Using the included 8-pin ribbon cables, these ports are typically connected to the associated pre-fader direct output ports on the back of Xcelon and its channel expanders (XP3 and Xi3). This “signal tap” configuration allows channel signals to be monitored unaffected by the volume faders and mutes.

The first four ports on the back of Cue are connected to CH1-3 PRE DIRECT OUT, CH4-6 PRE DIRECT OUT, and so on for the mixer and any channel expanders. Lastly, the fifth port is connected to RTN1-2 & MIXA DIRECT OUT on the back of Xcelon.

Channel Monitoring

Once the necessary rear connections are made, the twelve blue buttons on the front of the module labeled 1 thru 12 now correspond to the mixer and expander channels. Pressing these buttons will send pre-fader copies of the selected channels signals to the cue mix. Similarly, pressing the FX button will monitor both FX returns (combined), and the MIX button will monitor mix bus A.

NOTE: To minimize size and complexity, channels 1-12 are mono (L and R mixed) in the cue mix, whereas the FX returns and main mix are retained as stereo.

The cue mix is available at the PHONES jack to be monitored using headphones, with independent volume control via the LEVEL knob. The headphone circuit is optimized for low-impedance models from 16 to 32 Ω, and can drive headphones up to 80 Ω with moderate output levels, making it suitable for both studio and performance environments.

The mix is also available at eurorack level from the two discrete jacks labeled L and R OUT. From here the stereo cue mix can be patched elsewhere for extra utility or for creative uses. For example, into an external DJ mixer to incorporate into a more extensive cue bus, or as an additional sub mix to process with other modules and ultimately return to the Xcelon system.

Creative Cue Mix Routing

In addition to pre-fader outputs from Xcelon and its channel expanders, CUE can also connect to the rear ports of the IO module to monitor other audio signals. This allows external sources, such as other eurorack voices, effects, or submixes, to be auditioned through the cue mix bus.

Each of CUE’s five rear input ports accepts a group of three stereo signals. When not fully populated with Xcelon and expander channels, unused ports can be connected to IO instead, offering a flexible way to mix and match mixer channel monitoring with other signals in the system.

Selected channels from IO will be assigned to CUE’s 1–12 cue buttons, providing the same individual selection and routing to the cue mix as Xcelon channels.

NOTE: Selected channels from 1–12 are summed to mono in the cue mix by combining adjacent left and right inputs. FX returns and MIX A remain stereo.

The cue mix signal available at OUT L and OUT R can also be patched directly to a tuner or tuner module. This allows discreet and accurate tuning of any oscillator or audio source without affecting the main mix or needing to repatch signals during a performance.