thomann SDC-24 DMX Desk 24-Channel DMX Console
General information
This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We there‐fore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.
Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:
| Download | This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download. |
| Keyword search | Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of interest for you quickly. |
| Online guides | Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms. |
| Personal consultation | For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline. |
| Service | If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you. |
Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
Letterings The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics. Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.
| Signal word | Meaning |
| DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided. |
| NOTICE! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐ sible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided. |
| Warning signs | Type of danger |
| Warning – danger zone. |
Safety instructions
Intended use
This device is used to control spotlights, dimmers, lighting effects equipment or other DMX-controlled devices. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke! Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
NOTICE!
- Risk of fire
Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat source. Keep the device away from naked flames. - Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter
‘Technical specifications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction. - External power supply
The device is powered by an external power supply. Before connecting the external power supply, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and possibly the user. Unplug the external power supply before electrical storms occur and when the device is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire. - Possible staining
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly react with the coating of your surface and after some time cause permanent dark stains. In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the surface and use a suitable underlay if neces‐sary, i.e. felt-pad floor protectors or similar. - Possible damage due to installation of a wrong fuse
The use of different types of fuses can cause serious damage to the unit. Fire hazard! Only fuses of the same type may be used.
Features
Special features of the device:
- 24 channel faders
- 2 displays to display channel values
- Start address selectable via DIP switches
- Linking of up to 4 desks to control up to 96 channels
- Simple operation
- Ideal for testing DMX devices or simple applications
- 16 coloured fader caps included
Starting up
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
NOTICE!
Possible data transmission errors
For error-free operation make use of dedicated DMX cables and do not use ordi‐nary microphone cables.
Never connect the DMX input or output to audio devices such as mixers or ampli‐fiers.
Connections in DMX mode
Connect the DMX input of the device to the DMX output of a DMX controller or another DMX device. Connect the output of the first DMX device to the input of the second one, and so on to form a daisy chain. Always ensure that the output of the last DMX device in the daisy chain is terminated with a resistor (110 Ω, ¼ W). 
Connections and controls
Front panel 
| 1 | Channel faders [1] … [24] Individual control of up to 24 DMX channels |
| 2 | [CH] Display of the values set with the faders |
| 3 | [DMX] Display of assigned DMX channels |
Rear panel 
| 4 | DIP switch for setting the DMX address 0: DIP switch is in ‘[OFF]’ position. 1: DIP switch is in ‘[ON]’ position. The value of the DIP switches 1-9 is binary coded. DIP switch 10 is without function. To set the desired DMX address, set the DIP switches so that the sum of the resulting numbers yields the desired DMX address. Please orient yourself by the following table: | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | DMX address | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 64 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 128 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 256 | |
| 5 | [DMX OUT] DMX output | |||||||||
| 6 | DMX input [DMX IN] An additional DMX controller can be connected via [DMX IN] to control more than 24 channels. Up to four controllers can be linked to control up to 96 channels. When the first device outputs the addresses [1] … [24] and a second device out‐ puts the addresses [25] … [48], for example, the signal is executed without change. If the DMX ranges of both controllers overlap, e.g. both controllers are set to channels [1] … [24], the last changed setting of the controller is output. |
| 7 | [ON | OFF] Main switch. Turns the device on and off. |
| 8 | IEC chassis plug for mains connection, with fuse holder |
Technical specifications
| Control protocols | DMX512 | |
| Input connections | Power supply | IEC chassis plug C14 |
| DMX control | XLR chassis plug, 3-pin | |
| Output connections | DMX control | XLR chassis socket, 3-pin |
| Power consumption | 4 W | |
| Supply voltage | 100 – 240 V 50/60 Hz | |
| Fuse | 5 mm × 20 mm, 1 A, 250 V, fast-acting | |
| Installation | 19″, 2 RU | |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 482 mm × 82 mm × 125 mm | |
| Weight | 2.3 kg | |
| Ambient conditions | Temperature range | 0 °C…40 °C |
| Relative humidity | 20 %…80 % (non-condensing) | |
Further information
| Preset function | no |
| External storage option | no |
| DMX universes | 1 |
| max. control channels | 24 |
| Ethernet | no |
Plug and connection assignment
Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐ment so that a perfect light experience is guaranteed.
Please take our tips, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into a socket, the result of an incorrect connection may be a destroyed DMX controller, a short circuit or ‘just’ a not working light show!
DMX connections
The unit offers a 3-pin XLR socket for DMX output and a 3-pin XLR plug for DMX input. Please refer to the drawing and table below for the pin assignment of a suitable XLR plug.
| Pin | Configuration |
| 1 | Ground, shielding |
| 2 | Signal inverted (DMX–, ‘cold signal’) |
| 3 | Signal (DMX+, ‘hot signal’) |
Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packaging mate‐rial
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose of with your normal household waste.
Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.
Welcome – Thomann United States
